To say it’s been quite a year is to state the obvious! At Tower House Horses, along with the rest of the world, we have survived the highs and lows of a roller coaster few months. Throughout this challenging time there have been so many reasons to be grateful. We have been generously supported by existing and new funders, without whom our future would have been uncertain. As we enter a second period of lockdown, we are truly thankful for the understanding of funders whose projects have been unavoidably delayed, and especially to those who have provided us with emergency funding to cover our running costs. Their patience and continued support has been heartening.
Ava and Blackie
After the initial period of lockdown we resumed sessions for clients with additional Covid-19 precautions in place, as we have the advantage of being able to operate entirely outdoors.
Horse Sense for Young People
Our successful programme for young people experiencing anxiety and depression was our first priority once Tower House Horses re-opened for business. During lockdown we had offered previous clients the opportunity for a WhatsApp video call in the field with the horses, but this was no substitute for welcoming them back in person. Since July nine young people have completed, or are soon to complete a Horse Sense 1-2-1 programme to help them build the confidence and emotional resilience needed to deal with the negative impact of the pandemic.
Herd Wisdom with Trinity Winchester
For women affected by domestic abuse, lockdown was particularly challenging. We are delighted that our Herd Wisdom programme for referrals from Trinity Winchester women’s programme is also up and running again and achieving excellent outcomes. In the words of one member of the group: “…the ‘boys’ really helped me a lot and still my favourite place to be is with them all. Even talking about being there I can never seem to stop myself from smiling and feel just pure joy.”
Supporting previous offenders
We were one of the first providers to Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC) to be able to offer our service again. The first referral to complete his programme in September impressed his probation officer so much with the evident changes he had made, she pronounced THH “the best service probation has”. Three more CRC referrals have since begun their programme with us.
Welcome back to Streetscene’s Francis House
Residents of this Southampton treatment centre were delighted with the opportunity to get some fresh air and a change of scene after weeks of isolation in their FH “bubble”. This is our 15th group of Francis House residents since we began our working relationship with Streetscene in 2013. Time spent with our herd has become a valued complement to the work of the counselling team at Francis House.
We couldn’t have done this without………..
.. the continued help of the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF), whose regional team has been a source of invaluable support and encouragement throughout this difficult period
.. HM Government’s Coronavirus Community Support Fund, administered by our friends at NLCF
.. Hampshire County Council’ Councillors Grant … with thanks to Cllr Jackie Porter for her endorsement
.. the National Emergencies Trust (NET) Coronavirus Programme, administered by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Fund
.. Charities Aid Foundation
.. Co-op Foundation
.. Eight Foundation
.. Dan & Krystyna Houser
.. our long term supporters, First Asset Finance
... and thank you to all those who donated to our NHS Crowdfunder campaign. We are continuing to fundraise so we can invite as many NHS staff and care workers as possible to join us for a day of respite with our horses in 2021.
No THH newsletter would be complete without a mention of our wonderful equine partners, who continue to inspire us with their emotional intelligence, empathy and wisdom.
Paddy
We welcomed a new member of the herd. Paddy arrived in July from World Horse Welfare and is gradually finding his feet (hooves). He adds colour to the shades of brown that have characterised Tower House herd members up to now and is slowly gaining acceptance from the rest of the team. Four white legs present their own challenges at this time of year, but Paddy is very sweet so we’ll forgive him for being a mud magnet.
Martin and Pooks
We were deeply saddened to say goodbye to the wonderful Pooks in October. His loss leaves a huge gap, but the blow has been softened by the knowledge he had a great life for all of his 29 years and gave so much to everyone who met him. His kind, gentlemanly nature and ability to make people feel better about themselves will always be remembered. The messages we received were inspiring and a great comfort.