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The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
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Groundwork Equine Assisted Services

Registered

Charity no. 109815 Date registered. 26/03/2024

Public benefits

The direct benefits which flow from this purpose include improved mental and physical health outcomes, increased levels of social support, reduced levels of stress, anxiety and feelings of isolation and loneliness for our beneficiaries. Direct benefits also include welfare advocacy for horses used within Equine Assisted Services. The direct

benefits flowing from this purpose will be support for veterans in need resulting from ill-health, often exacerbated by age and disability. The direct benefits which flow from this purpose include the promotion of social inclusion, social investment and reduced social isolation and loneliness in a rural area with high levels of multiple deprivation and under-provision of health and social services. There is a risk of harm if unmet need is not identified which will be mitigated by health and social needs assessments from referring charities and organisations. The beneficiaries of Grounwork Equine Assisted Services can be the wider public as we are open to anyone who wants to avail of our services but specifically, the beneficiaries are military veterans, carers, the police, prison and emergency services, and their families or others struggling with physical and pyschological wellbeing living in Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. A private benefit to Directors may arise from our programme of ongoing training in good governance and management. Through this training, Directors gain skills and experience which are transferable to other settings. These benefits are incidental and necessary to ensure the benefit is provided to our beneficiaries. Our Directors may also benefit from our Equine Assisted Services if in need. This benefit is incidental and necessary to ensure the benefit is provided to our beneficiaries. A private benefit to volunteers flowing from this purpose is that any volunteers could accredited training which could be used in other areas for employment.

What your organisation does

Groundwork provides Equine Assisted Services including Equine Assisted Learning, Equine Assited facilitation and Equine Assisted Therapy to people of all ages and abilities including veterans, carers and anyone with mental health struggles. We also promote equine welfare for those horses in use and associated with Equine Assisted Services.

groundwork offers Equine Assisted Learning to Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) workshops in an innovative mental health and education intervention. Through observation and understanding of horse behaviour, EAL uses specially trained Equine Facilitators and activities with horses as a tool to help those who are vulnerable and at risk reflect on their own anxieties and behaviour. This leads to greater resilience, improved social skills and emotional growth. There is no riding involved and the horses are carefully chosen so they are safe to handle and be around. Groundwork offers group and one to one workshops in a safe environment with horses specifically trained to deliver equine assited services.

The charity’s classifications

  • The relief of those in need by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage
  • The advancement of animal welfare
  • Other charitable purposes

Who the charity helps

  • General public
  • General public
  • General public
  • Voluntary and community sector

How the charity works

  • Advice/advocacy/information
  • Animal welfare
  • Community development
  • General charitable purposes

Charitable purposes

Groundwork Equine Assisted Services’ purposes are offering Equine Assisted Learning, Therapy and Training and Facilitation to veterans and carers all ages and abilities in Northern Ireland. Groundwork EAS will support and improve the physical and mental health and well-being of the beneficiaries and their and carers who have been injured, impacted and/or bereaved as a result of military service or other trauma. Groundwork EAS will provide Equine Assisted Learning and Therapy for relief of the beneficiaries who are in need by reason of ill-health. The charity will provide an Equine Assisted Learning and Therapy service for other charities and organisations who may require it, including for those who run such organisations. Groundwork will also support and promote the welfare of horses working in the Equine Assisted Services context.

Governing document

Trust Deed or Declaration of Trust

Other name


  • 3 Trustees
  • 0 Employees
  • 0 Volunteers

Contact details

Public address

  • Dr Helen Sharp, 16 Crom Estate Road, Inisherk, Newtownbutler, Enniskillen, 16 Crom Estate Rd, BT92 8AR

Trustee board

Trustee
Dr Dr. Helen Elizabeth Sharp
Mrs Fiona Helen Livingstone
Ms Jennifer Barker

List of regions

  • In Northern Ireland