HRI announces Individual Assistance Programme HRI has announced that the services offered through its Industry Assistance Programme (IAP) have been re-configured to an Individual Assistance Programme. Funded through HRI’s Industry Education and Training Department, 'equuip', the range of services has been expanded to provide a racing and breeding specific support network 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year that offers expert advice and compassionate guidance via phone and online chat. The IAP offers both reactive support when someone needs it but also proactive and preventative support to deliver the best possible outcomes. The IAP is completely confidential and free to use and offers emotional support, financial advice, and legal information, such as: Life support: Access to counselling for emotional problems and a pathway to structured therapy sessions. Legal information: For issues that cause anxiety or distress including debt management, consumer, property, or neighbour disputes. Bereavement support: The service offers qualified and experienced counsellors who can help with grief plus legal advisors to help with related legal matters. Medical information: Qualified nurses are on hand to offer support on a range of medical or health-related issues offering practical information and advice. Originally launched in 2016, the IAP is available to anyone working in the Irish racing or breeding industry. All calls will be answered by an experienced counsellor or legal advisor who will offer support in a friendly, confidential, non-judgemental manner. In addition, users also have access to ‘My Healthy Advantage’ — a comprehensive health and wellbeing app. Through the app, users will have access to a range of features, all aimed at improving health and wellbeing, including live chat and support, personalised news feed, weekly mood tracker, four-week plans, mini health checks and breathing techniques. Dr Jennifer Pugh, Senior Medical Officer with the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, commented: “After a thorough consultation process, I am delighted to see the launch of equuip’s Individual Assistance Programme. While we undoubtedly work in a wonderful industry it is no secret the pressures involved can be immense and our research confirms the negative impact this can have on people. If your horse needs a vet, a blacksmith, a change in bedding or feed, or a day off, that horse would get it, however, we don’t tend to look after ourselves quite so well. “When we feel overwhelmed, having somewhere to turn to for confidential advice is so important so I urge everyone to become familiar with this essential service. Put the number beside the vet’s and the farrier phone numbers — it just might make a difference to someone.” Carol Nolan, HRI Director of People and Industry Education, said: “We are delighted to be launching our new look and feel Individual Assistance Programme at a really important time for all those people working in our industry. Our health and wellbeing, and that of our families and friends, have never been more important to us and we hope from our work and experience in this area that this newly designed and expanded service will offer important help and assistance to the people who need it when they need it.” To use the confidential individual assistance programme, please call the 24-hour helpline on 1800 313 661 or visit www.equuip.ie
