Great practice
What does great practice look like in our communities?
How can we apply our knowledge and understanding of people’s needs to our practice in equestrian settings?
TOP TIPS FOR COACHES AND VOLUNTEERS
Particularly when coaching those with more complex mental health challenges, there are a few useful things to ensure everyone feels as comfortable as possible. It’s about adapting your methods to try to meet their needs, rather than abandoning your usual coaching style.
- Before the session, provide as much basic information as you can on clothing and equipment required to people feel comfortable and know what to expect.
- Collect information about participants before the session, including mental or physical health conditions, likes and dislikes.
- Welcome everyone warmly as they arrive and use positive language.
- Provide a safe and positive environment.
- Keep an open mind and be calm, patient and respectful of participants who are experiencing mental health difficulties.
- ‘Read the room’ – notice how people are and whether there are any differences in behaviour or countenance. Consider how to adapt accordingly.
- Differentiate activities depending on the needs of those participating. Try to ensure everyone feels acknowledged and included. If someone would prefer to sit away from the group, offer them a role (which they might not take up) to help them feel engaged and part of the group.
- Don’t be discouraged by the amount participants engage or if they seem to take lots of breaks – this could be for many reasons and doesn’t mean they’re not having fun or benefitting from the session. If the venue allows, you might like to provide a ‘quiet’ area where participants can sit and watch instead of taking part.
- Listen and pay attention to what is being said and how the participant is in their body so you can learn to recognise when they might need more or less support.
When we strive to focus on everyone’s strengths, we can ensure that everyone has the chance to participate in a way that helps them.
TIPS FOR PARENTS
If your child is experiencing mental health problems, there are ways you can help make situations less stressful or daunting for them and their coach.
- Ensure you’re fully informed about what your children’s equestrian session will entail and any clothing or equipment they may need.
- Turn up in plenty of time for the session to start – help avoid stress and panic, while allowing time for your child to get used to the surroundings and meet the horses.
- Discuss any mental or physical health problems, or any other concerns, with your child’s coach so they’re fully aware. If you’re able to, offer advice on how best to interact with your child.
- Discuss with your child any concerns they may have and work through any problems gently.
- Help your child get into a routine when getting ready for attending the session. This can help calm nerves allow them to mentally prepare for attending.
TIPS FOR YOURSELF
If you’re experiencing mental health problems, there are things you can do to help feel calmer and supported by those around you:
- Be as honest and open as you feel you can be with your coach or peers – most people are keen to support and help where they can. This also helps to avoid misunderstandings or misreadings of your behaviour.
- Allow yourself plenty of time to arrive at your allotted session time. This will help reduce stress on arrival and give you time to adapt to the surroundings.
- Be present – focusing on the task or horse in front of you can help calm nerves and improve mood by giving you a different focus.
- Get into a routine – having a regular day or time for your session and a routine for getting ready for it can create a soothing effect (find out more).
- Notice your thoughts and feelings – being mindful about how you currently feel is the first step to understanding and manage our emotions.
Signposting
If you’d like more information about mental illness, start by contacting your GP. If you have a support worker, speak to them.
You might prefer to contact an organisation. Here are a few that offer help:
- Samaritans - Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
- Mind - Support and advice for people living with mental illness. Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
- Rethink Mental Illness - Support and advice for people living with mental illness. Phone: 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)
- CALM - CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35. Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)
- Riders Minds are open to equestrians of all ages, levels and experience. They offer a wealth of practical information and a 24/7 helpline. Phone: 0800 088 2073 or Text 07480 488 103
Acronyms you might come across
Here are some acronyms that you might come across in the field of mental health:
- CMHT – Community Mental Health Team
- AMHT – Adult Mental Health Team
- OT – Occupational Therapist
- CPN – Community Psychiatric Nurse
- PTSD – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- BPD – Bipolar Disorder
- OCD – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- ADHD – Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- ADD – Attention-Deficit Disorder
- ASD – Autism Spectrum Disorder
- SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder
- DBS - Disclosure and Barring Service (Formerly CRB)
- PIP - The PIP test is what the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) use to decide whether you are entitled to Personal Independence Payment.
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