From Volunteering to Becoming a Therapeutic Riding Coach
This case study demonstrates how SICAP can continuously support an individual on their journey to achieving their goals. The person-centred approach to their work, utilising other supports within the community, working at the person’s pace and remaining solution focused when barriers are present, facilitates individuals like Catherine to work towards their dreams and to achieve their respective goals.
The case study also provides an opportunity for the LCDC to have an insight into the intensive work that the individual beneficiary, with the support of the SICAP Development Officer, have to complete to achieve their goals. The SICAP journey can sometimes be a slow journey depending on the individual’s circumstances but can be fruitful when the appropriate supports are in place.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is co-funded by the Irish Government, through the Department of Rural and Community Development, and the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus under the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme 2021-2027
Catherine’s Story
In February 2022 Catherine commenced on the Tús Employment Programme with the South Tipperary Development Company and was placed with the local community group River Rescue. Catherine was also volunteering with Camphill Community, working with people with intellectual disabilities.
Whilst completing a Manual Handling Course as part of her work in River Rescue, the SICAP Development Officer began to engage with Catherine. During the Personal Action Plan process Catherine disclosed her vision to return to education and her dream of starting her own business. Though Catherine attended school until she was 16, she did not sit any state exams, therefore returning to education was a concern for her.
At the time Catherine had three rescue horses. She identified horse therapy as an area of work which combined her love for the outdoors, horses and working with people with a disability. The SICAP Officer discussed the business idea with the individual who provides the Self Employment Options Programme (SEOP) for SICAP. They confirmed that this business idea was a good fit for the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA).
The SICAP Officer researched training options for this type of business and the QQI Level 6 Therapeutic Coaching Course with Feste Lente in Wicklow was identified. Being able to fund the course was a challenge for Catherine so the SICAP Officer set about applying for funding through various agencies.
Expediency was required as Catherine wanted to commence the course in September 2022. Through accessing the Training Support Grant through the Department of Social Protection, A grant from St. Vincent De Paul and a SICAP Individual Support Grant to secure the deposit for the course, Catherine was registered.
The course ran from September 2022 to July 2023, and Catherine had to travel to Wicklow three days monthly for 6 months. It was a huge commitment for her as she also had to care for her animals which meant a 4am rise to feed her horses before leaving on the long journey to Wicklow. Ongoing support was provided by the SICAP Officer regarding the course work by assisting to break down her assignments into smaller sections and encouragement to work through each section and identify what research she needed to do as opposed to being overwhelmed by the whole assignment.
In July 2023 Catherine completed the Self Employment Options Programme facilitated by SICAP. She was provided with weekly support to undertake the training in the SICAP Community House and was provided with IT access and a laptop. Catherine also continued her professional development through SICAP and completed Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid Responder (FAR) Training.
In October 2023 Catherine unfortunately failed one module of the course. Again, the SICAP Officer supported her to re-sit the module which she has since passed receiving confirmation of same in September 2024. Catherine received a distinction. Catherine is now fully qualified as a Therapeutic Riding Coach.
With support from SICAP Catherine also applied for the BTWEA. She has now completed the assessment and has been deemed eligible. She continues to work with SICAP and has recently identified her first customer. Catherine continues to upskill and is currently undertaking a Rigid Driving Course as this will enable her to transport horses as part of her business proposal.
