Thanks to a grant from West Lancashire Freemasons to the Ride2success charity, more than 600 disabled children and young people between 8 and 25 years old will be able to take advantage of riding therapy and other inclusive sports activities, which will help with their physical, social, and emotional development.
The £9,600 grant will allow the charity to extend the Riding4All and Sports4All programmes, which not only provide improvements in the children's physical and emotional development but also help them overcome feelings of exclusion, anxiety and low self-confidence.
The support provided to young carers and their families relieves stress, fosters community bonds, and creates a positive ripple effect for over 400 secondary beneficiaries among family members.
Many of these children have complex learning and physical disabilities, autism, ADHD, or other neurodivergent conditions. Nearly half of the young carers also have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) themselves, and all come from low-income households.
Additionally, Ride2Success will create qualification pathways for SEND beneficiaries aged 16+, empowering them to pursue educational and employment opportunities. This initiative is a direct response to their concerns about transitioning into adulthood and facing challenges in accessing further opportunities. Evidence shows that young people with SEND face significant employment disadvantages and risk of long-term unemployment.
The grant will also allow the charity to recruit additional volunteers so they can reduce waiting lists and offer vital support to more children and their families.
Research by the Action Alliance found that less than a quarter of disabled children regularly take part in sport and the Lancashire Joint Needs Assessment shows that Preston has the second highest number of young carers in all of Lancashire.
The grant from West Lancashire Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends from across England and Wales.
Lindy Jolly, CEO at Ride2Success, said:
"We're very grateful to West Lancashire Freemasons for their generous grant, which will allow us to help hundreds of children and young carers who will benefit enormously from the riding and sports therapies we offer. This is in an area that has some of the highest numbers of young carers in the north of England."
Mark Francis Matthews, leader of the West Lancashire Freemasons, said:
"I am very pleased that we have been able to assist Ride2Success with their vital program for young children with special needs and disabilities. Equally important is the support they provide in transitioning into adulthood, as individuals with these special needs often face a significant risk of long-term unemployment."
