Advice for children and young people
Riding and being around horses is fun – it helps you to make new friends, try new activities and amaze yourself with what you can do. However, if something is making you feel worried, scared or sad, don't keep it to yourself.
You should tell an adult you trust as soon as possible. This could be...
- Your parent or someone else in your family
- Your coach or someone else in charge at your club or riding centre
- One of your teachers at school or your school nurse
Your club, centre or Member Body will have a Safeguarding Officer, who is there for you. If you aren't sure who they are, take a look at the notice board at your club/centre – there should be a safeguarding poster like the one below that tells you who you can talk to. If you are unhappy about how others are treating you or another child, or if something is frightening you, let your Safeguarding Officer know. Find out who they are and tell them about your worries, big or small.
Make sure you aren't alone with anyone who has tried to hurt you.
safe to play
The Safe to Play website is a great resource that can help you understand how to stay safe while enjoying the sport you love. By visiting the site, you'll find valuable tips, guidelines, and support to ensure that your experiences with horses are not only fun but also secure. Safe to Play offers the knowledge you need to protect yourself and your friends, so make sure to check it out today!
CHILDLINE
Childline is the free, 24-hour helpline for children and young people in the UK.
You can call them about any problem, at any time – day or night. Call 0800 1111.
On their website, Childline have introduced a page all about sport, with info and advice that you may find helpful. You can get to it by clicking here.
Topics include...
- Bullying in sport
- Dealing with pressure
- Tackling body image issues
- Discrimination
THINK U KNOW
ThinkUKnow is a website from NCA-CEOP, a UK organisation that protects children both online and offline. It offers guidance, videos, games and top tips for all ages.
MEntal Health and wellbeing
Positive mental health is a state of wellbeing – you're able to think, feel and react in the ways that enable you to take part in activities that you enjoy, while being able to cope with the normal stresses of life.
All of us experience ups and downs in our mental health at some point in our lives, but if you experience a period of particularly poor mental health, you might find that the way you are thinking, feeling or reacting becomes inceasingly difficult to cope with.
Young Minds is an organisation that will be able to give you tips on self-care techniques and how to seek support.
