Horse power will drive young people to success

An innovative programme which aims to harness the magic of horses to engage young people back into education is being offered to East Renfrewshire young people for the first time.

Article Source: East Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 13 December 2024 12:25

As part of East Renfrewshire Council’s approach to supporting young people who are struggling to stay involved in formal learning settings, it has become the first local authority in Scotland to set up a partnership to support delivery of the unique programme from the British Horse Society (BHS).

The charity’s Changing Lives through Horses programme, which helps to rekindle a desire to continue with education and training through the magic of horses, will now be offered to young people who are involved with the Council’s Positive Pathways programme.

The Positive Pathways team supports young people aged 16-19 who without additional support might not make a successful transition into, or be able to secure, work, further education or training after finishing school.

Mark Ratter, Director of Education at East Renfrewshire Council, said: “We are committed to providing excellent experiences to all of our young people to ensure they can reach their potential. For some young people there can be barriers to learning within formal education settings, so it is important that we leave no stone unturned in seeking learning opportunities that open up the pathways for securing qualifications for all. This partnership with the British Horse Society will provide those young people who are part of our Positive Pathways programme the chance to develop key skills they can use throughout their lives and potentially open doorways into a career pathway of their choice.”

The Changing Lives through Horses programme has already helped 2,000 disengaged young people across the UK gain key life skills and given them the tools to support their future careers. The programme is delivered through selected BHS approved centres.

Following an induction session held at Barrhead High, the East Renfrewshire young people will continue this programme at Boydstone Stables in Lochwinnoch.

Michelle Strawinski, owner of Boydstone Stables, which will deliver the programme on behalf of the BHS, said: “At Boydstone Stables, we are committed to transforming lives through the Changing Lives through Horses programme. Horses have the ability to teach us without us even knowing we are studying. By engaging young people from East Renfrewshire who have become disconnected from traditional education, we offer a dynamic and supportive environment where they can rediscover their potential and develop crucial life skills through our equine activities.”

Positive Pathways is East Renfrewshire Council’s scheme to deliver on the Scottish Government’s ‘No One Left Behind’ policy, which aims to ensure all young people progress into a positive destination after school.

Through partnerships with charities, local businesses, colleges and universities, Positive Pathways engages young people in a range of learning opportunities to develop their employability skills. These include areas such as barista, DIY, horticulture, sewing and cooking, with support also available for driving theory and lessons and preparing them for interviews.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest East Renfrewshire News

Dinosaur Day at Dobbies

Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!

Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched

PubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.

Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace

This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.

Scone Palace International Horse Trials

The inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place from 21st–24th August 2025 in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.

Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October

Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

Flag raised to commemorate Armed Forces Day in East Renfrewshire

East Renfrewshire Council raised the Armed Forces Day flag today to mark Armed Forces Day which will be held on Saturday 28th June.

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!

Busby pub celebrates triple award success

A Busby pub is one of six locals to have been selected from 2,400 around the UK to receive a prestigious Recognition Award from Heineken-owned Star Pubs.

Just Announced: Stars Set for the Stage at Eastwood Park Theatre

Eastwood Park Theatre has announced a whole host of brand-new shows featuring well-known faces.

25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.

Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.

Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure launches search for sports supporting superstars

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has launched a search for local sports supporters in the community to recognise at its annual Sport and Physical Activity Awards.

Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.

Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores

Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.

Paws, play and heritage on parade

Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.

Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party

Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.

How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler

Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.

Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.

Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open

Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!

Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!

Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!

Veterans celebrate Health for Heroes Award at VE Day event

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure invited veterans for afternoon tea at Barrhead Foundry to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.