N‑able Volunteer Spotlight: Neil McIntosh

Learn how a group of N-ablites volunteered at West Lothian RDA, to transform lives and communities through teamwork and a passion for making a real impact.

What is the name of the organization you volunteered for?

West Lothian Riding for the Disabled, which provides therapeutic riding sessions for adults and young people with physical and/or learning difficulties.

Why do you love to support this organization? / What made you want to support this organization?

I have been a volunteer with West Lothian RDA for 10 years! My connection to the group started when my son joined as a participant and I witnessed the transformational benefit it brought to him and the other participants — the freedom of movement, gaining confidence, building relationships, receiving life-enhancing physiotherapy and achieving individual goals. I was invited to join as a Trustee, and I also became a session volunteer which involves catching, grooming, and tacking up the horses so they are ready for the participants, plus leading or side walking to ensure that participants are safe as well as general chores such as stable management and cleaning/organizing equipment. Over the years, my role has grown and I’m currently the chair of the board of trustees and I continue to support participants in their sessions as well as helping run the group’s operations.

What did N-ablites do on their VoluNteer Day?

I was so proud that several of my N-ablite colleagues joined me for a VoluNteer Day to help make the RDA site look fresh and ready to welcome participants for the new season! The task at hand was to give the site a much-needed makeover by painting the clubhouse, the arena fencing, and hitching rail to make it ready for the new riding season. The result — a fantastic job spending the day in the fresh air, while making a difference in our community.

Which core value do you feel like you were able to display on your volunteer day and why?

I’d say my colleagues and I displayed all of N‑able’s core values while volunteering that day.  Our activities helped N-rich Lives of the other volunteers and participants of the group by updating and refreshing the facilities, we helped N-spire Others to volunteer in their communities and we always N-Joy the Journey spending time with each other, with many N-ablites saying they would love to volunteer here again in the future!

Thank you to Neil and UK N-ablites for sharing your giving spirit with the community! If you want to read more VoluNteer Spotlights, check out our Life at N‑able blog.

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