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Bristol charity to expand ‘critical’ work for vulnerable young people
A Bristol-based charity has launched a major fundraising effort to expand its educational support for young people who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
HorseWorld has opened a fundraising appeal to expand its equine-assisted education programme for vulnerable young people, amid growing numbers being left without support due to long SEND assessment and funding delays.
The Whitchurch-based charity aims to fund more than 100 bursaries by April 2026.
The bursaries are expected to enable children across Bristol, Bath and North Somerset to access its six-week Discovery Programme — a one-to-one intervention using rescued horses and specialist educators to improve confidence, communication and emotional resilience.
For nearly 20 years, Discovery has supported more than 3,000 children who struggle with mainstream education or who have experienced trauma, exploitation or significant disadvantage.
However, shrinking local authority budgets and lengthy waits for SEND diagnoses and EHCPs (Health and Care Plans) mean more young people are slipping through the cracks.
This term alone, 12 children had their funded places withdrawn at the last minute.
Backed by former Bristol mayor Marvin Rees, now Lord Rees of Easton, HorseWorld says each bursary acts as “a key to unlocking a young person’s potential”.
Lord Rees said: “We know that early intervention works, and we also know the cost of failing to provide it.
“Supporting this bursary appeal is both morally right and economically smart,” said former Bristol mayor Marvin Rees
“While an overstretched system struggles to diagnose, fund and support children with additional needs, HorseWorld is providing a programme that delivers hope, stability and measurable change within weeks.
“Supporting this bursary appeal is both morally right and economically smart — it prevents deeper harm and contributes to our responsibility to give every child the best possible start in life.”
Chief executive Jo Coombs emphasised the economic and emotional benefits of early intervention, noting that a lack of timely support can lead to far greater long-term costs for families and local authorities.
She said: “These bursaries literally unlock Discovery for children who would otherwise be left waiting. And when they do, they unlock something far greater – a sense of confidence and connection that can last a lifetime.
“Providing 100 bursaries could save local authorities up to £1m in tribunal costs – and reduce emotional costs for families.
The Whitchurch-based charity aims to fund more than 100 bursaries by April 2026
“Early support also prevents needs from escalating and avoids costly interventions later. The lifetime cost of a young person not in education, employment or training is £50,000 – a likely outcome for children and young people who don’t receive timely support.
The charity has expanded its team and trained more rescued horses to meet rising demand, allowing young people to begin the programme within weeks rather than waiting years for assessments.
Recent feedback shows 99 per cent of referrers saw improved confidence and 97 per cent reported better communication among participants.
HorseWorld is now calling on individuals, businesses and community groups to support its Unlocking Discovery appeal.
A new campaign film, narrated by Lord Rees, has also been released to highlight the programme’s impact.
Jayden, one of the participants of Discovery Programme, attending to the horses
Graham Hilliard, head of Discovery, said: “Early intervention is key. We have the programme, the team and the horses to support, but we urgently need funds to help more.”
To find out more or donate, visit www.horseworld.org.uk/unlocking-discovery
All photos: Strike
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