Ride High

Ride High is a registered charity that works with some of the most disadvantaged and isolated children in Milton Keynes and aims to transform them into happy, confident young people who are positively engaged in the outside world. All the children at Ride High are referred by childcare professionals (often when other interventions haven’t worked), so we know that we are working with those who need us most. The children may be in foster care and struggling to cope with everyday life, a young carer for a family member, suicidal or self-harming, victims of abuse or neglect, NEET (Not in Education Employment or Training), living in homes dominated by ill health, alcoholism, drugs or poverty. Unlike most programmes, we work with children every week for up-to a year (or longer if necessary) with the aim of effecting lasting change in their attitude, self-confidence and in their life prospects. We do this through a programme of structured learning which includes learning to ride and care for horses, associated clubroom activities and projects, educational visits and trips, volunteering opportunities and work experience placements. The children develop communication and teamwork, social and literacy skills and improve their confidence and self-esteem. Ride High is a registered charity which receives no government funding. Our operating costs of £350,000 a year come from grants, donations and fundraising events. We rely on companies donating services on a pro bono basis and have the support of around 20 volunteers a week who work with the children, on administration or on fundraising projects. We have a number of corporate partners including Sysmex UK, RSM, Imagine Presentation, SIS TV and Tesa. We are looking for companies who are interested in working with a local charity to fulful their CSR objectives.