Helping children get into the saddle
Disadvantaged children are benefiting from new equestrian safety equipment thanks to a £1000 Community Chest Fund from Golding Homes.
Team Tutsham, a charity based in West Farleigh, Maidstone, provide disadvantaged children with the opportunity to learn to horse ride, care for horses and socialise with other children of varying ages and backgrounds. The charity applied for a Golding Homes' Community Chest Fund in October to help fund much-needed safety equipment to allow the children to ride their ponies and horses.
Co-owners of Team Tutsham, Maxine Buckby and her husband Mark Finch, have used their hobby and passion for horses to support and help young children from a variety of backgrounds. Maxine said: "By working with horses the children who come to us develop a wide variety of skills; they become more independent, autonomous and more confident individuals. Thanks to the Community Chest Fund we have been able to purchase some new safety equipment, to replace our out-dated hats and back protectors, meaning the children can continue to ride our ponies and horses. It’s great to see the smiles on their faces, we can’t thank Golding Homes enough.”
To further boost the money Team Tutsham was awarded, Lillico’s Country Store in Aylesford provided the charity with a discount on the safety equipment they purchased, meaning they were able to buy more hats and back protectors for their money.
Claire is a parent whose child enjoys time at Team Tutsham. She said: “Team Tutsham are an inspiration for children and adults finding life hard, helping disadvantaged children to ride and care for ponies.”
Lin Perkins, Community Development Advisor for Golding Homes, said: "Team Tutsham is such a great charity and I'm thrilled that they are benefiting from our Community Chest Fund. They make a real difference, providing an opportunity for children to be around horses, who wouldn't normally be able to access an activity that is usually regarded as elite. Being so hands-on with the horses is an enjoyable experience for the children, which also helps build their confidence and develop natural, core skills. I am delighted that we have been able to support Team Tutsham."
Golding Homes’ Community Chest Fund offers small grants of up to £1,000 for community organisations to run activities and deliver projects that will benefit local communities. This could be anything from projects to engage young people, equipment for clubs or community groups, skills training and more. All the applications are considered by a panel of Golding Homes' residents, with decisions being made four times a year; 1 Jan, 1 Apr, 1 Jul and 1 Oct. For more information or to apply, visit our Community Chest Fund page.