Funding Boost for Disabled Riding Group

A Riding for the Disabled group is one of 20 grassroots sports clubs which have been given a funding boost by Fibrus's Play It Forward Fund

The funding scheme provides grants of up to £1,000 to help children’s sports clubs across Northern Ireland and Cumbria to buy equipment, kits or improve facilities. 

Carlisle Riding for the Disabled, based at Blackdyke Riding School, is part of a national charity that has been providing riding lessons to disabled children and adults in the area since 1972, and currently looks after 24 children aged under 11 and 22 aged 12 to 17.

Riding is a fun social activity for the children and helps to improve balance, coordination, muscle development and self-confidence. It can also help with challenging behaviour problems by giving them a sense of independence.

Its equipment gets heavy wear over the years and can be damaged or contaminated. Fibrus’ £1,000 grant will be used to replace gear that ensures the children can ride safely and also items that allow fun sessions which help them to develop their skills and confidence.

"We are committed to playing a role in improving the health and wellbeing of children and young people, so investing in local communities is very important to us,” said Linda McMillan, Chief People Officer at broadband provider Fibrus.

"Our Play It Forward Fund is just one way we try to give back to the communities which we serve. I’m thrilled that it has continued into its third year, and it’s been great to see the positive impact it has made on clubs across the region."

To find out more about Carlisle RDA visit http://www.carlisle-rda.org.uk/