This month, some of our Governor team visited Benfleet-based equine therapy centre The Peaceful Pony to deliver a £5000 donation on behalf of Provide Community.
The Peaceful Pony was founded by qualified mental health nurse Holly Lockwood-Waduge, who specialises in equine facilitated learning. The centre works with children, teenagers and adults from across Essex to deliver a range of free and funded therapy sessions with horses.
Holly says, “The Peaceful Pony is here to offer emotional support to vulnerable children, adults and families. With the help of our lovely ponies, we provide a wide range of therapy, confidence building and home education sessions for children and adults who need to come to a safe space. All ages are welcome, and our sessions can benefit all ages, from children struggling with confidence to adults with dementia.
“This wonderful donation from Provide means we can continue to support the people who need us most. Our goal is to provide the early intervention that children, adults and families need that they may not be able to access from secondary services.”
The £5000 donation has been made from Provide Community. As a Community Interest Company, Provide’s profits are reinvested into services, charities and groups that support Essex communities. In the last ten years, Provide has donated more than £3 million in grants and match funding to local causes.
Nicola Yarnall, Chair of Provide’s Council of Governors said, “The Peaceful Pony was one of the Governor’s chosen charities for 2022. It was a pleasure to visit and see the incredible work Holly and the team do here, and to meet the wonderful ponies.
“Holly’s mission to make therapy, wellbeing and mental health support accessible through this incredibly special facility is inspiring and it is our pleasure to help support this important service.
To find out more about The Peaceful Pony visit www.thepeacefulpony.net or telephone 07773687547
Pictured (left to right): Provide Governors Clair Banks, Nicola Yarnall and Michelle Kulik with The Peaceful Pony founder Holly Lockwood-Waduge
