Horse power will drive young people to success

Published: 13 December 2024

An innovative programme which aims to harness the magic of horses to engage young people back into education is being offered to East Renfrewshire young people for the first time.

As part of East Renfrewshire Council's approach to supporting young people who are struggling to stay involved in formal learning settings, it has become the first local authority in Scotland to set up a partnership to support delivery of the unique programme from the British Horse Society (BHS).

The charity's Changing Lives through Horses programme, which helps to rekindle a desire to continue with education and training through the magic of horses, will now be offered to young people who are involved with the Council's Positive Pathways programme.

The Positive Pathways team supports young people aged 16-19 who without additional support might not make a successful transition into, or be able to secure, work, further education or training after finishing school.

Mark Ratter, Director of Education at East Renfrewshire Council, said: 'We are committed to providing excellent experiences to all of our young people to ensure they can reach their potential. For some young people there can be barriers to learning within formal education settings, so it is important that we leave no stone unturned in seeking learning opportunities that open up the pathways for securing qualifications for all. This partnership with the British Horse Society will provide those young people who are part of our Positive Pathways programme the chance to develop key skills they can use throughout their lives and potentially open doorways into a career pathway of their choice.'

The Changing Lives through Horses programme has already helped 2,000 disengaged young people across the UK gain key life skills and given them the tools to support their future careers. The programme is delivered through selected BHS approved centres.

Following an induction session held at Barrhead High, the East Renfrewshire young people will continue this programme at Boydstone Stables in Lochwinnoch.

Michelle Strawinski, owner of Boydstone Stables, which will deliver the programme on behalf of the BHS, said: 'At Boydstone Stables, we are committed to transforming lives through the Changing Lives through Horses programme. Horses have the ability to teach us without us even knowing we are studying. By engaging young people from East Renfrewshire who have become disconnected from traditional education, we offer a dynamic and supportive environment where they can rediscover their potential and develop crucial life skills through our equine activities.'

Positive Pathways is East Renfrewshire Council's scheme to deliver on the Scottish Government's 'No One Left Behind' policy, which aims to ensure all young people progress into a positive destination after school.

Through partnerships with charities, local businesses, colleges and universities, Positive Pathways engages young people in a range of learning opportunities to develop their employability skills. These include areas such as barista, DIY, horticulture, sewing and cooking, with support also available for driving theory and lessons and preparing them for interviews.