Child learning horse riding at the Ebony Horse ClubDonations

Ebony Horse Club

Horse riding lessons for disadvantaged youngsters

Ebony Horse Club is a charity that runs a horse riding programme for young people in inner-city communities. The project benefits social housing residents from the London Boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark and Wandsworth. It enables children aged 8-16 to experience an activity rarely available in urban areas.

£2479 from the Axis Foundation will pay for 72 children to participate in a two day horse riding introduction course. Keen riders can then to take part in a six-week follow-on programme, also covered by the donations.

“We know from the success of two pilot projects that there is a strong and consistent interest in horse riding from children living in these communities. Unfortunately very few families in social housing can afford to access this type of activity for their children, so they miss out” – Neighbourhood Investment Officer, Maud Gambier-Ellis

The charity has over 16 years experience working with children from disadvantaged backgrounds and has recently opened in Loughborough (Lambeth), one of the most deprived wards in the country. Children are encouraged to take part in many other educational activities including: educational visits, residential trips, and being sponsored for equestrian studies.

 “We’re happy to support a cause that provides children with limited opportunities the ability to gain new experiences and skills, in this case the basics of horse riding and caring for animals. But that will also help with the wider development of their listening, communication and team working skills”- John Hayes, Axis Foundation Trustee 

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Children playing at Myddleton Grange youth project.Community

Myddleton Grange Residents Association

Community youth project reduces anti-social behaviour

Myddleton Grange Residents community youth project  aims to reduce anti-social behaviours in young people and also to project young residents from gang-related attacks. They want to offer a safe and friendly environment for teenagers to learn important life skills.

The Axis Foundation answered the association’s plea to help make their estate a safer environment for all – by donating an initial £1,000 to cover thirty-two hours of a qualified youth worker’s time.

The donation to the Myddleton Grange Youth Project will contribute to a variety of activities for children aged 10-19, through 2 three hour weekly sessions, as well as weekend residential adventure schemes for older children.

Around 35 children use the youth project, half of whom are under 15, and while they are occupied the entire estate of around 400 households feel the benefit.
The donation from the Axis Foundation will allow for a wider scope of activities and greater capacity to engage with more youngsters, by funding trained workers to lead art/craft, dance, sport, drama and music classes. As well as the Youth club, this local community association also provides residents with a baby & toddler group, social events, organising training in areas such as First Aid, Safeguarding and Food Hygiene.

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