Stable Lives races forward thanks to funding boost

West Lancashire Council is proud to announce the positive impact its funding has had on the local charity, Stable Lives.  

Stable Lives, a mental health charity renowned for its innovative equine therapy programme has recieved nearly £80,000 in funding to expand and enhance its services, particularly focusing on vulnerable individuals and families in the community. 

Based at the equestrian centre in Parbold, the charity offers transformative equine therapy to individuals facing mental health challenges. Their programmes include horse riding, stable management, and holistic support, which foster the development of social skills, confidence, and sports participation. 

In total, the charity received nearly £80,000, comprising £26,809 of the council’s funding and £52,041 from West Lancashire’s UKSPF Community Grant. This has helped advance the capital element of Stable Lives project, which includes the creation of safe spaces for one-to-one and group therapy sessions at the Parbold site. 

The funding has enabled Stable Lives to expand their services significantly and allowed them to plan for increased capacity, including the construction of an additional building to enhance and future-proof their services, ensuring the sustainability of the yurt used for therapy sessions.  

Carrie Byrom, Director at Stable Lives said: “Our grant through the UKSPF fund has been incredibly important for us. We are a mental health and well-being charity working in the heart of the community, and it has not only allowed us to support an increased number of people but has also allowed us to extend our services and plan for future growth.” 

The charity has also commenced in-school programmes, conducting group sessions and one-to-one support for students requiring extra assistance, and plans are also underway for a residential course designed for children who have never had the chance to go on holiday, offering them a unique experience with peer support.   

Councillor Kerry Lloyd, lead member for Health and Wellbeing said: “It is fantastic to see how the funding we’ve provided from the council is making a real difference at Stable Lives.  

“They are doing amazing work, using the funds to reach more kids, improve their facilities, and offer crucial support to those who need it most. We're excited to see the positive changes this funding brings to our community and are proud to be part of it." 

Stable Lives is now positioned to reach a wider audience, sharing their invaluable services with the broader community. The charity looks forward to continuing its collaboration with West Lancashire Borough Council to further its mission and positively impact more lives. 

A total of 25 community projects will receive funding to empower our communities, supporting the Borough's key priorities and delivering services and facilities for residents across West Lancashire with funding coming from the Council’s £1.2million Communities and Place investment, and £1.3m investment from the Community Infrastructure Levy. When combined, this represents among the largest ever investments in community projects in West Lancashire by the borough council.