BHA Tackling Loneliness Pilot
Exploring British racing’s ability to tackle loneliness.
The BHA Loneliness Pilot involves six racecourses and is being delivered by Racing Together and funded by the Racing Foundation and Horserace Betting Levy Board with support from the Racing Post and Godolphin.
The pilot is being delivered as part of British Racing’s social impact action plan. It aims to identify how British Racing can contribute to the community by addressing social issues, whilst supporting racing’s social licence to operate.
Racecourses involved in the pilot programme include Newcastle, Pontefract, Bath, Kempton Park, Salisbury and Fontwell Park. Charity partners include Mind, Age UK, Communicare, Holbeck Together and others.
With grateful thanks to the National Horseracing Museum who kindly provide racing and reminiscence items on loan for each racecourse participating in the pilot.
I feel that this day has been very enjoyable and for me has been an absolutely wonderful social experience where I have met some really lovely people and feel that these will be lasting friendships and connections.
Pontefract racecourse tackling loneliness
Episode 7 of the Racecourse Association’s Talk of the Course features Jon Mullin, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course at Pontefract Racecourse.
Jon discusses the Yorkshire racecourse’s work to combat loneliness as part of the BHA-led industry pilot programme on this subject, amongst other initiatives designed to promote positive mental health.
Jon explains why the team at Pontefract got involved with the work, the challenges they are trying to address and what has happened so far as part of the pilot. From horses in Holbeck to soup kitchens at the racecourse and events with local care homes, the pilot has seen Pontefract engage with a wide range of local community members, and has helped cement its status as a community focussed racecourse. Finally, Jon explains why it’s so important for racecourses to get involved with projects like this and why sometimes, commercial returns shouldn’t be top of the priority list.
Watch trainer Jo Foster’s festive visit to Holbeck Together community centre below.
