The Trustees of Horseshoes and Handprints (H&H) would like to announce that they have regretfully closed the charity but are delighted to be able to say they have handed over the reins to Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) to manage the Fund in the future.

Horseshoes and Handprints was a charity established in 2013, supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), particularly those with autism, who live in Somerset, east Devon or north Dorset and would otherwise not be able access equine facilitated therapy sessions. Operating from Manor Farm, Stocklinch they provided equine therapy until 2017, when they returned to concentrating on delivering funding to families to access the equine therapy provider of their choice.

Desi Fradgley, one of the Trustees at H&H, said: "On behalf of the Trustees I would like to thank all our staff and volunteers, not forgetting our wonderful landlord at Manor Farm. Enormous thanks are due to everyone who has raised money for H&H, made donations and grants, and generally supported us in so many ways - there are just too many people and organisations to mention. We could not have helped so many families without you all."

Kirsty Campbell, Programmes Manager at Somerset Community Foundation said: "We're absolutely delighted to be looking after the Horseshoes and Handprints Fund going forward, and wish the team all the best in their next endeavors.

"The Horseshoes and Handprints Fund will open to applications in September 2021. These grants will cover 50% of the cost of equine therapy sessions, up to a maximum of £250. If you would like to find out more about the Fund and how to apply in the meantime, please do get in touch with us directly."

Close contact and interaction with horses is highly sensory and there are a variety of equine therapy providers in Somerset. Benefits for the users are many, including better speech and communication, improved memory and attention span, greater confidence, and a happier family environment.

To find out more about how the Fund may be able to help you, or to support the Fund, or for more general information about the Fund, visit: www.somersetcf.org.uk/apply-for-a-grant/Grants-for-Individuals or call 01749 344949 and ask to speak to Programmes Manager, Kirsty Campbell.

Any community group or charitable organisation wishing to apply for funding should visit the SCF website where they can find guidance on how to make an application: www.somersetcf.org.uk/apply-for-a-grant

Somerset Community Foundation is a charity that helps passionate people in Somerset change the world on their doorstep by funding local charities and inspiring local giving and philanthropy. They aim to build stronger communities in Somerset where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. They provide rewarding and impactful ways for donors to give through them, to the causes and places they care about most. Together, they fund amazing organisations and the passionate people that change lives every day.

Since SCF were founded in 2002 they've awarded more than £15 million in funding, changing thousands of lives across Somerset.