Robin Putney is a Trustee and Volunteer at Thanet Disabled Riding Centre – a Kent-based charity that supports children and young adults with many different physical and mental disabilities, vulnerabilities and special educational needs.

It provides individual tailored riding and mental health therapy sessions that challenge people to do things they wouldn’t usually do, helping to build strength and confidence and provide support for people with mental health problems in a safe and confidential environment. 

Robin says ‘being outside is so important for your health. We provide a space where our clients have fun whilst exercising and learning in a safe and secure, open-air environment, near the seaside – often riding the horses down towards the beach. 

‘Many families in Thanet are on low incomes, and with the cost-of-living crisis hitting hard – especially disabled people and families with disabled children – we only suggest a small voluntary donation from our clients. 

‘Our services are in great demand – and we know they can be life changing – but we have limited resources and need more support to keep doing what we do.’

Mama to Mama is the first and only baby bank service in Thanet, Kent. We provide essential pre-loved items to vulnerable pregnant women, caregivers and children under 5, who are living in poverty. Mama to Mama is a charity committed to improving the lives of babies and children to give them the best start in life.   

Mama to Mama started as a call to action by a local mother to provide essential newborn baby items to vulnerable families living in poverty through preloved donations.  Growing to meet increased demand due to the cost of living crisis, Mama to Mama now supports children up to 5 years old.  With no other resources available to these individuals Mama to Mama enables maternity, social and care works to make referrals for care packages which in turn helps them to build relationships and trust from the people they support