A SOUTHAMPTON charity working to eradicate loneliness in the city helped some of its service users and volunteers visit a stud farm recently as part of National Racehorse Week (July 2025).

Communicare took those who find it hard to get out on their own for an outing to Whitsbury Manor Stud near Fordingbridge in Hampshire, supported by Great British Racing*.

Joe Callan, Head of Bloodstock & Sales, Whitsbury Manor Stud, says: “It was great to host Communicare and their guests at Whitsbury Manor Stud to celebrate National Racehorse Week (NRW).”

Whitsbury Manor Stud is a leading source of commercial stallions, providing breeders across Europe with a quality roster of proven performers including the world class horse Showcasing and the well-known Sergei Prokofiev.

Joe adds: “NRW is all about giving the public a chance to come behind-the-scenes of what we do and meet our wonderful horses and seeing the smiles on the faces of visitors interacting with the foals, yearlings, stallions and broodmares was really rewarding for everyone on the team.”

Communicare, which is a friendly, neighbourhood charity, provides services that enrich the lives of isolated people in and around Southampton.

Annie Clewlow, Manager at the charity, which works with the vulnerable and isolated,

says: “Trips like this are essential, as they provide so many benefits to someone’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. They help combat isolation, reduce feelings of loneliness, and provide social interaction, which is vital for maintaining healthy social connections.

“Outings like this also promote physical activity, stimulate the mind, and offer a change of scenery, improving one’s mood and cognitive function. We met the amazing Showcasing, who is probably the top stallion in the world, as well as the wonderful Havana Grey and the brilliant Sergei Prokofiev.

“We’re so grateful to Great British Racing for suggesting this trip to us and for their support too, as well as Lucy Gurney, Community Engagement Manager from Racing Together, a partnership of racing bodies. We’re also indebted to the team at Whitsbury Manor Stud for giving us such a lovely day out with the horses. It was wonderful.”

Communicare’s services are staffed by its devoted volunteers, known as Communiteers, who give their time freely.

One of the charity’s Trustees, Lenka Fremerova explains: “The day was fabulous. It was so enjoyable, educational and entertaining for our service users and volunteers, and all of us!

“The fabulous weather, knowledgeable stud farm team and the relaxing pub lunch afterwards, while watching the donkeys go by made our day a great success! We all enjoyed the benefits of nature, learning a great deal about stunning horses, our lovely meal, good chat and, most of all, the spirit of being together.”

Communicare is currently supporting around 750 individuals/families through tasks including, befriending, transport for appointments and assistance with shopping and always needs more donations and volunteers to help with its work.

The services it provides are free to users, although beneficiaries are invited to make a donation if they are able to, and Communiteers are offered expenses.

Annie adds: “We’re here to help people live their best lives, rather than to just exist. There has been lots of research showing how loneliness impacts on both someone’s physical and mental wellbeing.

“It’s known as a ‘silent killer.’ So, trips out and partnerships like this, with organisations like Great British Racing and Whitsbury Manor Stud, are so important. It was a privilege to have linked up with them to have our once in a lifetime behind-the-scenes visit. It’s something our service users, volunteers and team will be talking about for many years to come.”

To find out more, please visit www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.