Racehorse owner Dr Johnny Hon, who operates Global Group Racing, has donated £100,000 to Racing Welfare to fund the Housing Support Officer role for the next three years. The Housing Support Officer helps the young tenants living at Racing Welfare's properties and working in racing to manage all aspects of their lives, setting them up for success.
Racing Welfare's Housing Support Officer Sarah Ashley said, “For some young people they don't have family support so I'm the only person they have to check they are doing okay. It allows people to become more confident and thrive in all aspects of their lives. I've taken the same journey myself through the racing school, working and riding in yards, it's not easy and I understand that. I can empathise, and they feel comfortable talking to me. They are our next generation of racing staff. If they are living well here, they will continue to do so.”
Hon said, “I am delighted to back this project for the next three years. As a passionate racing fan and owner of Albert House Stables, I know the importance of supporting all the great people who make racing happen. Young people come into racing with a love of horses and a desire to share in the excitement of winning races, but they have not always been well supported and they can be vulnerable in their personal lives. This project makes a real difference and sets an example that should be copied elsewhere in racing communities.”
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