To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning pilot programmes being undertaken by (i) his Department; and (ii) individual Health and Social Care Trusts in the last 12 months.

The Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning Programme being undertaken by the Department;

Northern and Belfast Trust Equine Facilitated Learning - Multi-Disciplinary Teams

Two pilot programmes were developed between the Department and the Northern and Belfast Trust(s). These aimed to enhance partnership and relationships between professional staff in the multi-disciplinary teams and leads in community organisations. However, both pilots have been paused due to the sudden death of the facilitator. Discussions are underway with the Trusts to identify how the pilots can progress.

The Equine Therapy programmes undertaken by the Trusts in the last 12 months are:

Belfast Trust – Equine Facilitated Learning for Children in stable foster care.

This programme aimed to provide children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences- including being exposed to domestic abuse with support and learning tools that will help them cope with moving forward after experiencing trauma, and improving their mental health and wellbeing. The programme commenced in summer 2023 and completed in spring 2024.

Western Trust – Equine Facilitated Learning ‘Early Help’

This programme has been designed as an ‘early help’ intervention with the aim of supporting families in this geographic Trust area who have been subjected to violence and domestic abuse. The programme was launched on 10th December the final day of ‘16 Days of Action Against Domestic and Sexual Abuse’ and ‘World Human Rights Day’ to demonstrate the Department’s commitment to tackling and preventing domestic and sexual abuse.