equipp hri
Let the good times roll...
W
HEN THE WORD welfare is used in a racing context it’s probably accurate and fair to say that most people would immediately think of equine welfare, but the welfare of the people involved in thoroughbred racing and breeding is becoming every more an important issue. Our lives have been dramatically reshaped by the effects of the pandemic over the last 16 months. One of the more positive changes wrought by the virus has been the
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increased understanding that people require support to deal with the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. Last November, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) rebranded its education and training department as Equuip, which not only handles those functions but also the Industry Assistance Programme (IAP) which comes under its remit. The IAP provides assistance and support to anyone who works in the thoroughbred racing and breeding industries, no matter what their role is, who needs help. It operates through a dedicated 24-hour
a day, 365-days-a-year hotline which can accessed in a variety of ways. Elaine Burke, Equuip co-ordinator, explains that the IAP operates similarly to triage in a hospital Accident and Emergency department. The caller’s need is assessed and they are put in touch with a suitably qualified person who can help them. “It is free and is there for everyone, no matter what they feel they would like help with – whether that is a financial issue, bereavement, mental health or anything else. “From there six counselling sessions are
