Superscript

Carriage Driving For Wellbeing

SOCIAL PRESCRIBING 

At Carriage Driving Community CIC, we offer a calm, welcoming space where people can connect, build confidence, and enjoy time outdoors.

You’ll be greeted by Gemma and her assistance dog Elvis—our very own Chairman of the Welcoming Committee—helping you feel at ease from the moment you arrive.

No pressure, no expectations—just the opportunity to feel better, one step at a time.

Superscript

Social Prescribing- Carriage Driving For Wellbeing

Introduction – Our Vision

At Carriage Driving Community CIC, we are committed to transforming lives through the power of carriage driving.

Our social prescribing programme has been developed to create meaningful, accessible opportunities for people who may be facing physical, mental, or social challenges. We work alongside health and community partners to offer a unique, non-clinical approach to wellbeing—one that builds confidence, connection, and a sense of purpose.

We believe that carriage driving should be inclusive, not elitist. By breaking down traditional barriers, we are opening the doors of equestrian sport to individuals who may never have felt it was for them.

Through calm, well-trained horses, supportive coaching, and a welcoming environment, we aim to improve health outcomes, reduce isolation, and help people rediscover what they are capable of.

This is more than just an activity—it is a pathway to independence, community, and lasting wellbeing.

Recognised as Best Practice in Social Prescribing 

National Recognition – Innovation in Social Prescribing

We are incredibly proud to have been recognised by the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) for our innovative approach to delivering carriage driving as a social prescribing intervention.

Our work has been successfully selected for inclusion in the NASP Innovation Showcase, highlighting Carriage Driving Community CIC as an example of best practice within the national social prescribing movement.

This recognition reflects our commitment to developing inclusive, accessible opportunities that support health, wellbeing, and community connection in a truly unique way.

Being part of the Innovation Showcase means our work will help inspire other organisations across the UK, demonstrating how equestrian activities—when delivered with the right values and approach—can break down barriers and reach individuals who may otherwise feel excluded.

We are proud to be contributing to the future of social prescribing, championing carriage driving as a powerful, inclusive tool for change.

Superscript

The Elvis Approved Scheme 

The Elvis Approved scheme sits at the heart of our social prescribing programme, offering a unique, engaging, and meaningful way to recognise participation, progress, and personal achievement.

Designed to be inclusive, motivating, and fun, each session is part of a wider journey where individuals can build confidence, develop new skills, and reconnect with themselves and others—all at their own pace.

Every participant receives an “Elvis Approved” recognition, symbolising not just what they have achieved in the session, but the courage it took to take part. Whether it’s stepping into the carriage for the first time, building trust with a horse, or simply turning up on a difficult day—every moment matters.

The scheme also allows us to track engagement and celebrate progress over time, creating a sense of belonging and achievement that extends beyond the session itself.

Led by our much-loved mascot Elvis, the scheme brings warmth, personality, and encouragement to every experience—reminding everyone that this is a space where they are welcomed, supported, and celebrated.

Superscript

Movement Fund 

Our social prescribing programme has been made possible through funding from Sport England’s Movement Fund.

The Movement Fund supports projects that help people become more active, particularly those who face barriers to participation due to health, disability, or social circumstances. It focuses on creating inclusive, accessible opportunities that improve physical and mental wellbeing.

Through this funding, we have been able to develop and deliver our social prescribing carriage driving sessions, ensuring they remain accessible to those who need them most. This includes providing the resources, equipment, and support required to create a safe, welcoming, and high-quality experience for every participant.

The support from Sport England is helping us to break down barriers, reach underrepresented groups, and demonstrate the powerful role that carriage driving can play in improving lives.