Clients and colleagues from Acorn Recovery Projects saddled up for a day of volunteering at HAPPA horse sanctuary in Briercliffe.
The team of seven – and one helpful furry friend – donned overalls and picked up their paintbrushes to give HAPPA’s indoor horse arena a face lift. Measuring 23m x 45m and seating up to 150 guests, the team worked together throughout the day to freshen up the space.
Lisa Ogilvie, a counsellor at Acorn Recovery Projects, said: “Volunteering in your local community can play an important role in recovery. It brings purpose, the opportunity to engage in new activities, builds self-worth and creates a sense of belonging”.
She continued: “When HAPPA reached out for volunteers, we saw the perfect opportunity to involve our clients, who eagerly stepped up to help”.
Tom was one of the volunteers from Acorn who got stuck in. Talking about his day of painting at HAPPA, he explained: “I very much enjoyed the opportunity to volunteer at HAPPA horse sanctuary. As a recovery group, it was nice to get involved with the other clients from Acorn in a community project”.
He added: “It was a really nice feeling to give something back to the community. I would like to thank HAPPA for asking us to be a part of this project”.
Last year, Acorn became corporate sponsors of two HAPPA horses to incorporate animal-assisted therapy into their programme, as research suggests there are many physical and mental benefits to spending more time with animals.
Thanks to their sponsorship, different recovery groups from Acorn can head to the stables every 6-8 weeks to take the tour and get a chance to meet the Acorn horses.
Sponsorships like this fund the care and rehabilitation of the chosen horses, covering essential care costs such as farrier visits, vet fees, dental costs, physio and remedial care.
HAPPA – Horses and Ponies Protection Association – give a second chance to unwanted, abused and neglected equines. Their sanctuary is in Briercliffe and is open to the public 7 days a week, offering tours, grooming sessions and a newly refurbished on-site café.
To learn more about Acorn Recovery Projects, please visit our website or contact LOgilvie@acornrecovery.org.uk
