Horsing around supports children's mental health

13 October 2023

SSAFA enabled a group of children to enjoy horse therapy sessions this summer. The children, who came from the serving community in the Salisbury Plain area, enjoyed playing with, and riding ponies, along with other activities specifically designed to support their mental health and wellbeing.

Sophie Zephirin, Community Development Worker for the Army Welfare Service said: “Thank you again to SSAFA for making the sessions possible and for providing the opportunity for young people to thrive.

“The horses were amazing. Some of the children were very anxious when they arrived. One girl in particular was an anxious child and did not want to come, but Mum left her with us and within minutes of choosing a pony to groom she had completely relaxed.”

SSAFA continues to support the Army Welfare Service to provide targeted interventions for struggling families. Equine therapy is delivered by the Armed Forces Equine Charity, based at Tedworth House in Tidworth. Their programmes support those in recovery or rehabilitation from physical injuries, or from anxiety and depression, grief, domestic abuse, addiction and isolation issues.

Harriet Hood, SSAFA Salisbury Plain Serving Community Chair, said: “It’s absolutely amazing! I am so happy that SSAFA Salisbury Plain funds have benefitted and supported the AWS summer programme to run these equine therapy sessions. To impact the children who attend, and to see such a change which is shaping them for life is great news.”