Charity’s plea for help as it battles to rein in its expenses
AWELL-KNOWN North East charity is struggling to make ends meet as it grapples with dramatic increases in its expenses amid the cost of living crisis.
Stepney Bank Stables, in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley, has helped thousands of young people from all walks of life for over 30 years, becoming a lifeline to children who find it difficult to attend school, as well as those diagnosed with neurodiverse conditions or anxiety.
But now the charity is asking for help to allow it to continue as it works out how to adapt to an increasingly challenging financial situation, revealing that it has struggled with dramatically increasing costs over the last two years.
Coupled with reduced income from riding lessons and grants, the situation has left the stables finding it ever harder to make ends meet.
The charity is now reaching out to the community for help to meet a critical funding gap while they restructure their operating model.
Stables manager Sara Newson said: “The stables is a really special place.
“We get young people, from all walks of life coming together through a shared interest, which creates unusual and often lasting friendships. The social mixing is a vital part of their learning.”
The charity gives children and teenagers the chance to care for and ride horses – helping to increase their confidence and self-esteem and boost their health and wellbeing.
Among the range of young people who volunteer at Stepney Bank are children who have struggled to remain in mainstream education but for whom the stables can provide a safe space and an opportunity to gain experiences and qualifications that will help them to successfully transition into adulthood.
For Stepney Bank staff, the positive impact that spending time with horses can have on youngsters – particularly children who might struggle to communicate with others – is clear and in recent years mental health professionals have shown increased interest in working with and caring for horses as a form of therapy and support.
Sara said: “We know from experience that being around horses can be a fantastic intervention for young people – especially those suffering from anxiety or with neurodiverse conditions that can affect communication skills.”
A parent whose son attends the stables explained the experience has been “excellent” for his child, who has additional needs, describing it as “the only bit of independence he gets.”
So far, the Save Our Stables campaign has attracted over 100 supporters including parents of former attendees, including Amy, who said: “I, like so many others, have had years of fun and memories here that shaped my childhood. I’d love to see them continue to do so for many others.”
Chair of trustees Graeme Fletcher said: “We’re confident that, if we can get through the next few months, we can adapt and come back with an even stronger offer.”
The Save Our Stables appeal runs until May 23.