Forest Lottery supporters help to keep riding charity moving
Forest Lottery supporters are helping to raise significant funds for local cause Forest Riding for the Disabled, assisting the charity in enriching the lives of people with disabilities across the district.
Cabinet Member for Finance, Cllr Richard Leppington said: “Forest Riding for the Disabled is a fantastic example of how a local cause can help people across the Forest, helping to provide a safe space for people to learn and develop new skills.
“It’s great to hear of the positive impact that the Forest Lottery is having on local causes across the Forest of Dean. Funding from Forest Lottery tickets provides local charities with valuable financial support, especially during the difficulties experienced over the past couple of years.
“With over £46,000 raised for local causes through 2021, it is a real opportunity for local residents to give back to the causes in their area and we hope to make 2022 even bigger. For any local causes who are looking to register, this is a safe and easy way to generate vital funding and we’d encourage all that are interested to get involved with the Forest Lottery.”
Forest Riding for the Disabled was started in 1989, going to different venues before moving to their current base at Severnvale Equestrian Centre in 2012. The group provides riding activities for children and adults with a range of physical and mental disabilities, with the youngest member being only two years of age and the oldest over fifty.
The team of volunteers at Forest Riding for the Disabled work with the rider's individual needs to ensure that each person gets the most out of each ride, both physically and mentally.
Fiona Davis, Chair at Forest RDA said: “The last 2 years have been very difficult for Forest Riding for the Disabled (RDA). Although we operate under the umbrella of the National RDA, we receive no central funding, or grants and have to raise our own funds through events, donations, and from charitable trusts.
“As we have not been able to run fundraising events due to Covid restrictions, our income has been significantly affected. However, the Forest Lottery has allowed us to continue to raise funds throughout, and allowed us to reopen as soon as we came out of lockdown. I can safely say that without the funds raised from the Forest Lottery, the future of Forest RDA would have been far less secure.
“We’re always on the lookout for extra volunteers and would invite anyone who is interested in volunteering at Forest Riding for the Disabled to get in touch. You don’t have to have experience of working with horses and all the team here will be more than happy to help you learn.”
Anyone who is interested in volunteering at Forest Riding for the Disabled can find out more on their website: https://forestrda.org.uk/1_8_volunteering.html
The Forest Lottery supports causes across the district. To support a local good cause and be in with a chance of winning go to: https://www.forestlottery.co.uk