A SPECIAL needs school has teamed up with a horse-assisted programme.

Wolverdene School and Tower House Horses parenting project have partnered up thanks to Tesco shoppers in Andover, Whitchurch and Charlton who voted for the scheme to win the ‘Bags of Help’ poll.

The funding is now secured for Tower House Horses to work with parents of pupils attending Wolverdene School to improve their mental health and wellbeing in sessions interacting with horses.

Susie Little, director of Tower House Horses, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who voted for us, and excited to be working with staff at Wolverdene School.

“We are looking forward to welcoming Wolverdene parents and introducing them to our herd of very special horses.”

The first group will begin the sessions following October half term.

The partners hope by offering these sessions the parents can build self-confidence and emotional resilience, as they often struggle to cope with “significant emotional demands”, they say.

Wolverdene School headteacher Paul Van Walwyk added: “We are excited about this project and pleased that our parents will have this unique opportunity.

“We have heard positive reports of how horses can help humans in this way and are keen to see our parents reap the benefits.”