23/05/2026
It is deeply frustrating to see new reports showing that almost 1 million young people who are classed as NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) are currently claiming benefits (England & Wales but numbers are high here too), while so little investment is being made in genuinely helping them find a positive alternative path.
At Horses4Help, we already provide an ASDAN Accredited 6-week Equi-Learning Course specifically designed for young people who are struggling with mainstream education, confidence, anxiety, neurodiversity, life choices, or finding their place in the world. Our courses focus on communication, teamwork, confidence building, problem solving and employability skills in a safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment with our horses.
We KNOW these programmes work. We see the transformation in young people first-hand.
What makes this even more heartbreaking is the reality that, as has been widely reported, for every £25 spent supporting people through benefits, only around £1 is invested in helping them access training, alternative education, or meaningful opportunities that could change the direction of their lives.
The biggest barrier we face is not willingness from young people — it is funding and affordability.
There are so many young people desperate for support, purpose and encouragement, yet small community organisations delivering life-changing programmes are constantly battling to survive financially.
Surely prevention, engagement and early intervention make more sense — both financially and socially — than allowing another generation to feel left behind.
If we truly want to reduce NEET figures, improve mental wellbeing and help young people move towards education, volunteering or employment, we must invest more into alternative, hands-on and therapeutic learning opportunities that actually engage them.
Every young person deserves the chance to succeed — sometimes they just need a different environment to discover their potential. 🐴💙
