The Riding for the Disabled Association’s (RDA) Unicorn Centre at Hemlington, Middlesbrough is one of the local charities who is struggling to survive during the coronavirus epidemic.
One of 500 RDA groups in the UK, the Unicorn Centre relies entirely on income from activities and fundraising to raise £300,000 each year to cover its costs.
The centre has 19 horses and ponies delivering riding and therapy to about 200 participants each week, assisted by 16 staff and 100 volunteers.
All this has had stop, including stopping lessons, training, competitions and events. Meaning he centre has no form of income.
The Centre’s Trustees have applied for grants and support as well as reluctantly standing down some staff.
A small core of retained staff are working safely to care for the horses and provide remote delivery and assessment of the Centre’s Diplomas in Horse Care and Management.
Centre Manager Claire Pitt said, “We were on a high in February when the Centre celebrated the visit of HRH The Princess Royal. Now that lovely day seems a lifetime away. Lockdown has had a profound effect on our participants who rely heavily on their weekly riding session, on our supported volunteers, our Diploma Learners and on our staff and volunteers who always go above and beyond to support everyone here.
“The cost of paying the core staff, feed, bedding, farrier and vet bills for the 18 horses on site and utility bills amounts to almost £6,000 per month. We don’t know when we are going to be able to re-open so we’re going to need more than a little luck to raise enough money to keep us going.”
The centre, is a purpose built riding facility for the disabled, offering riding therapy and training opportunities.
The centre has set up a fundraising campaign called “Feed and Feet” which can be accessed at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/displayCharityCampaignPage.action?campaignId=11891
It is also encouraging people to help raise funds by shopping through Amazon Smile and EasyFundraising.
For further information call the Centre on 01642 576222 (answer phone only) or visit their Facebook page RDAUnicornCentre.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here