Helsby's Spirit of the Herd Pony Sanctuary is one of eight community initiatives to benefit from a Community Fund established by Cheshire West and Chester Council company, Vivo Care Choices.

In this, the final round of the Community Fund grants, £11,000 was distributed to the different projects, which all deliver valuable services to people needing extra support in our borough.

Spirit of the Herd was chosen because of the vital work it carries out, helping with young people and adults with learning disabilities.

While the sanctuary, whose mantra is 'Ponies Helping People', concentrates on rehabilitating ponies rescued from abusive or neglectful situations, it also provides equine therapy to promote its customers' physical and mental health.

Before the pandemic hit, Spirit of the Herd hosted students from Petty Pool Vocational College, which supports young people with learning disabilities.

The money Spirit of the Herd receive will help the sanctuary's volunteers to continue providing these therapy services, as well as contributing towards a new shelter for the ponies.

Vivo delivers a range of flexible and responsive support for adults with learning disabilities and autism and older people, including those with dementia.

You can read more about Spirit of the Herd by clicking on this article, written by volunteer, Amy.

You can also follow them on Facebook for regular updates and adorable photos of the ponies!