Background
Washington Riding Centre (WRC) is a friendly group based in Washington. The Centre operates 365 days per year, providing support and equine related therapy for all ages and abilities. The Centre is purpose built and continues to be an integral part of the local community. It was established around 40 years ago, and has a dedicated and passionate team of both staff and volunteers who are trained and qualified to the requirements needed to successfully meet the criteria for running this type of charitable organisation.
Challenges
Washington Riding Centre faced several obstacles, including:
1. Limited access to Funding: Challenges with time to complete successful applications. Demands for funding are generally high across the charitable sector.
2. Inaccessibility in some areas of the site and premises to some visitors: WRC recognised the need to design an area to accommodate people with access needs.
3. Affordability: The cost of works was a challenge to fund.
4. Impact Measurement: There was a need to realign methods of tracking and reporting their social impact.
Solution and Approach
Over several months SVSA worked with WRC to support them with a number of funding applications and advice around how to improve access to services for an outside space.
1. Funding Support
SVSA helped WRC streamline their funding efforts for this particular request, by supporting small, manageable funding streams. Two funding applications were successfully completed, securing financial support to help sustain WRC's activities and goals. A donation was also received from a third party to contribute to the cost of the works carried out.
2. Promote Partnership Working and Opportunities
WRC was approached by a third party, who contributed to the cost of the works. Regional funders were approached for the funding applications.
3. Problem Solving, Solution Focused Methods
Use feedback methods to see what the current needs of the Centre were, and act on the data provided. Plan and map out the area by seeking professional advice, taking this forward in order to achieve the best outcome for the footprint of land they were working with.
4. Strengthening Membership
Proactive recruitment drives and a targeted approach to encourage a broader range of new members and visitors to the Centre, improving service and support, and fostering inclusivity for members and caregivers.
5. Establishing Impact Evaluation
SVSA introduced tailored evaluation tools, such as feedback forms and social media surveys, allowing WRC to capture member feedback and monitor engagement. This data enabled WRC to measure and showcase the positive impact on members lives, providing insights for future growth.
Outcomes
The collaborative efforts led to significant and measurable improvements:
· Increased Accessibility for Visitors and Members: WRC experienced an increase in both members and visitors to the centre.
· Membership Growth: There was a noticeable increase in membership numbers.
· Increased Promotion of Services at the Centre: More facilities and spaces to interact.
· Skill Development: Improved opportunity to be creative with the new space available.
· Partnership Working: Understanding and having a positive outlook on the benefits of working in partnership with other Organisations.
Washington Riding Centre's improved facilities showcase their inclusivity of services that they provide for visitors and members and volunteers. Through partnership and collaborative working, they had sufficient funds to support the development of the site to improve the service user and visitor experience.
Share this page
