Employing those with differences makes our team stronger

By Natalie O’Rourke

Following the recent news about a young autistic man losing his unpaid position at a large supermarket, it feels right to showcase the incredible people who make Park Lane Stables work.

Disabled people in the UK remain almost twice as likely to be unemployed as non-disabled people. There’s still an employment rate gap of around 30 percentage points, a reminder of how much progress we still need to make.

Everyone at Park Lane Stables brings their own unique skills and strengths, and it is this wonderful mix of abilities that keeps the stables running so smoothly. Some of our team members have additional needs and we are proud to offer them paid positions.

Many of them are autistic and thrive on structure and routine. The consistent rhythm of caring for the horses suits them perfectly. They are among the most hardworking and reliable people you could ever meet, taking immense pride in their work.

Those with visual impairments connect with our horses in an extraordinary way, and often sense things others may miss. Those who have had lived experience of having been in acute mental health crisis can connect and reassure in a way many can’t.

Perhaps most importantly, employing people with with disability really helps our participants. They bring a huge sense of empathy that we cannot and are great listeners with so much patience.

It is also incredibly inspiring for parents and carers of children with additional needs to see adults with the same disability in paid employment as a valued team member, paving the way for the next generation.

Thank you to all of the fabulous Park Lane Stables family in your wonderful diversity which makes us everything we are today.

We’re part of the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2025. If you donate to us between 2-9 December, your donation will be doubled. Watch out for reminders of the date on social media and in the press, or make a good old-fashioned diary note to return to our website on 2 December.