Let the good times roll...

But when things are not so good...

... Equipp operates HRI’s Industry Assistance Programme, a service available for all in Irish racing and bloodstock, whatever the issue or problem.

Aisling Crowe meets Elaine Burke, the programme’s co-ordinator and hears how the scheme operates

WHEN 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 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 available, and more if needed. It is available to everyone in the horseracing and breeding industry and their family members,” she explains.

Burke is keen to stress the built-in securities that ensure the IAP operates under the strictest possible confidentiality, to reassure anyone who wishes to avail of its services that neither HRI, which funds the service, nor any stakeholders or employers, have any involvement in the IAP.

“It’s important that people know the IAP is completely separate to HRI and totally confidential,” she states. “I don’t know who contacts the IAP or what services they use, neither does anyone else in HRI nor any employers in the industry.

“This is an external company – I think that’s really important for people to know – this isn’t run by HRI, it’s totally separate and not in the industry. Their forte is running helplines such as this.”

HRI provides the funding for the IAP, which is currently operated by a company called Workplace Options, but HRI is in the process of changing service providers.

The helpline is staffed by people qualified in a range of areas including mental health, relationships, family matters, financial issues and human resources amongst others.

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

The IAP is not just for serious personal, financial or health problems, it is also a source of information whether that is on consumer rights, travel (when that is something we can all safely and freely indulge in again), tax reliefs, welfare benefits and a myriad of other issues.

However most people probably access its services for support and assistance with a problem and Burke and the Equuip team are determined to demolish the remaining stigmas that deter people from asking for help.

To that end, and coinciding with the new service provider taking over the operation of the IAP, Equuip will be running a new publicity and promotional campaign to improve awareness within the racing and breeding industry of the IAP and the services it provides.

“It’s difficult to get the message out there as it is still a taboo subject in some senses, but we are launching a new campaign shortly to promote the Industry Assistance Programme again,” she says.

“We will be sending out cards to the sales, race meetings and to the training yards and we need to get the message out there to everyone in the industry that this service is available and give people the information they need to access the supports.”

Recent events have brought into even sharper relief the need for understanding and support of mental health problems.

Living through a global pandemic has stretched everyone’s resources and resilience in different ways, but perhaps has brought greater compassion for those who are struggling with some aspect of life.

Various awareness campaigns and slogans have made dents in the stigmas surrounding mental ill-health, but what does one do if a friend or colleague seems to be struggling?

TO THAT END, Equuip offers Mental Health First Aid courses for people in the industry and such has been the demand for places that more courses have been laid on and will continue to be provided if the demand remains.

“One of the big programmes we are currently running provides a two-day mental health first aid course. The uptake for that has been excellent, we have put on two extra courses because the demand has been so high.

“The course helps people to recognise if a friend or a colleague is suffering and how to go about getting the help they need. It would be fantastic if some day every yard and stud had somebody on their staff who had mental health first aid training.

“We have started that process this year and are delighted that the courses are proving so popular,” Burke says.

Training and education is the main thrust of Equuip’s work; helping people to remain in the thoroughbred racing and breeding industry, while enhancing their skills and providing people with the opportunity to develop meaningful and fulfilling careers.

Equuip offers an education and training grant programme that contributes to the cost of any accredited course and the grants are open to everyone who works in the racing and breeding industry.

As well as this financial support and offering training programmes, based on industry needs, as advised by stakeholders, there will be a third Racing Secretary course

While we are always trying to attract new people into the industry an important focus for us is retaining the people we have got being run through the Racing Academy and Centre of Excellence (RACE). Such is the demand for all course places, Equuip also offers a careers advice and coaching service through Amaze Ltd and its leading careers coach Fran O’Reilly.

“This year we launched a careers progression service with him and there has been a massive uptake for it. He advises people on what they can do to develop their careers within the industry.

“It’s proving very successful and it is great to have it in place now, we’re very pleased with how it has taken off,” she says.

O’Reilly’s company provides one-to-one consultations to allow people realise their potential within their career.

For those in the racing and breeding industry who are contemplating how to develop their prospects, O’Reilly will work in conjunction with them to develop practical strategies and plans that allow people to reach their professional goals.

The service is available by contacting Elaine Burke at eburke@hri.ie.

“While we are always trying to attract new people into the industry, but an important focus for us is retaining the people we have got. To do that we need to offer the right services and supports that allow them to progress their careers and develop their skills. We are always working with our stakeholders on what needs to be done to help people. It’s a slow-burner because it’s an old-fashioned industry, but attitudes are changing and we are starting to get traction now.”

The IAP now plays an integral role in that retention strategy by providing people with support needed to ensure they can survive the life’s slings and arrows and also move forward with their career in racing.

Equipp can help with training plans and future progression for career advancement within the Irish racing industry