Services Our work is always issue based and offers an alternative, but effective approach, where other more conventional methods may not have succeeded. Stable Life works via learning “by doing” and benefits young people open to the idea of horses, animals and the outdoors. EquineProgramme Working together with the young person and using the horse as a tool the equine activity will be a combination of activity both on the ground and in the saddle where they learn equine skills to look at behaviours and their impacts, learn about practical routines, building relationships, tackling obstacles, issues and challenges and work on small achievements. It is important to bear in mind that horse riding is NOT the foundation of the service. We also provided Transitional Work Placement support for young people looking towards college/employment and peer volunteering opportunities and summer programmes. EnvironmentalProgramme This is a mix of environmental and horticultural experiences where the young people learn skills in landscaping, planting and growing fruit and vegetables as well as learning about the countryside and our environment.Building confidence and self-esteem, helping with anger and anxieties issues, we encourage the young people to work as a team, sharing ideas and listening to others, learn new skills and meet new people perhaps making new friends. Moving forward, we will look to develop this into a full-blown accredited Rural Skills programme. Life SkillsProgramme Independent living skills, or life skills, are important life lessons young people need to learn in order to successfully navigate the world. Our Life Skills programme will provide meaningful learning opportunities such as budgeting, cooking, looking at career opportunities and encourage self-confidence and growth whilst promoting, independence and, personal safety, social skills, emotional and physical wellbeing. Out of the WoodsProgramme This pilot programme provides young people, who find classroom teaching difficult and are in danger of disengaging, the opportunity to develop skills for life as well as gaining an SQA Level 4 in Horse Care.Attending one full day per week the young person develops a more positive attitude towards lifelong learning preparing them for the transition to adulthood, further education and working life.The project is part funded by the European Social Fund and the Scottish Government supported by the £9.7m Growing the Social Economy Programme as part of the Fairer Scotland Action Plan to tackle poverty and equality. Growth & development Our work is always issue based and offers an alternative, but effective approach, where other more conventional methods may not have succeeded. Stable Life works via learning “by doing” and benefits young people open to the idea of horses, animals and the outdoors. Our young people can grow and develop along three key areas: Stable Life key areas: Healthy life choices Community mindedness Education & career success Help young people develop: Improved self-esteem & confidence Leadership skills, tolerance & empathy Recognising the importance of education Help young people to become: More resilient & adaptable Responsible citizens Prepare for the future Help young people to achieve: Improved well-being Improved attainment Improved life chances Referral Criteria Fully Funded ServicesDue to the support of our funders and supported by our Equine Centre activities we are able to offer a limited amount of funded places providing a specialist issue-based service offering tailored support for particular periods of difficulty rather than long-term assistance. A piece of work, targeted towards specific issues, may be carried out in isolation or as part of a multi-agency care plan. This usually takes place over a period of approximately 6 months after which a review will take place. A continued offer of service may be proposed at our discretion.As a charitable organisation, funding for our services is outcome driven. Therefore it is necessary that referrals reflect the criteria predetermined by our funders unless you are independently commissioning us to carry out a piece of work.Commissioned ServicesWe also offer commissioned pieces of work for young people who have higher levels of need or do not fit the funding criteria. Interventions are tailored to need and can range from one session per week (2 hours) up to a full-time placement.Further information on this is available by contacting the main office on 01750 32277.
