What our Parents and Teachers think

"It was Darcy's that started his recovery. It was Darcy's that gave him that emotional and physical space to breathe and catch up with himself and give him a chance to start feeling better. Darcy's was his mental 'A&E', if you like! Over time, and through some miracle, we've managed to keep the channels open so he never felt totally isolated, which may just have kept him here with us."

"I was astounded. She spoke all the way home telling me what happens to the body, why it happens and how it affects her. In my opinion this clearly shows that the way the equine facilitator presented the subject and worked through it with my daughter had more of an impact than any other professional has been able to achieve. The project has allowed my daughter to recognise anxiety and its symptoms which it turn she is relating to herself."

"My daughter has always been an anxious child. Doesn’t like talking or being the centre of attention. She was referred to Camhs as the anxiety, OCD and non talking was becoming a huge issue in her life and ours. In January this year our family suffered a sudden death which effected her more than we realised. It was recommended by CAMHS, speech and language and her school that maybe equine therapy might help as she is a huge lover of animals. This is where Darcys stepped up and said we'll take her for a 10 week course fully paid by the kind donations from children in need. The first week we noticed a difference that she was engaging with staff other pupils and of course the horses. She loves the serenity of the place, the kindness of the staff and the small group she’s part of. Now Nearing the end of her course we have a child coming out of her shell with new skills, more enthusiasm and most of all happier."

"Last year our son disengaged with school completely. He just couldn’t cope with other people and the stressors around him and he became very isolated. This led to him feeling depressed and lonely and we got to the point he could hardly leave his room, let alone leave the house. After months of waiting and assessments he was diagnosed with ASD. Since being persuaded to try coming along to Darcy's in the middle of March, D is a different boy. After some of the 1:1 sessions we could see him smile again, he looked forward to coming up, something that we hadn’t seen in ages. We could see his confidence slowly growing and he would come home and talk about all the activities he'd been doing with excitement. We were shocked and delighted to hear that he then joined a small group at Darcy's and is working towards some real life skills."

"The first week we noticed a difference that she was engaging with staff other pupils and of course the horses. She loves the serenity of the place, the kindness of the staff and the small group she’s part of. Now on week 4 we have a child coming out of her shell with new skills, more enthusiasm and most of all happier."

"Another massive positive is that my son has now found the confidence to join in with a teenage group in our community called SAIL. This means he gets to be around people his own age, enjoy activities and be himself. So from having no real hope and nowhere to turn, he has excelled and it is thanks to Darcy's for their specialist training, patience and complete understanding of what teens with difficulties really need."

"My daughter came home very chatty and hungry!! I'm so pleased that she was happier and managed to deal with the anxiety that was still there. But as I will always say, it's because of Darcy's ability to change and adapt to the individual needs which in turn facilitates that ability to allow her to overcome her anxiety."

"He was on top of the world! He had the best time and last night is the first night in as long as we can remember that he has gone to sleep in his own bed at a normal time! We are over the moon and can't thank Darcy's and facilitators enough."

"She was brilliant! Full of stories about her day on the way home.She has been really upbeat. Can't thank you and your facilitators enough, she loved her day and is counting down the days til she's back!"

"Before the pupils began their journey with Darcy's they were on the brink of being school refusers, isolated and struggling socially or finding it difficult to maintain mainstream education. Darcy's have worked with a range of our pupils who have had their own personal concerns ranging from poor mental health to behavioural issues. The whole experience for our young people attending Darcy's has been a fantastic journey."

"Darcy's was absolutely the highlight of the young people's week. They came into school on time to attend which for some was a miracle in itself. Darcy's would send pictures of the amazing team work activities that the young people were doing and the bond between the group was compelling. Darcy's provided a completely safe zone and the talents of the young people shone through. It became evident fairly quickly the young people were growing in confidence and for some, re-engaged them back into school full time. The young people thoroughly enjoyed working with the horses and learning about them. This experience will be forever held dear to our pupils because of the way that it made them feel and supported their mental health."

"The pupils could catch their breath, take stock and gradually realise that they can achieve. Getting a certificate and a genuine qualification was a massive boost for our pupils. It gave them a taste of success."

"The young person who we were fortunate to secure a place for with Darcy’s found the experience hugely beneficial and rewarding. He was welcomed by Eileen and her team, learned crucial skills and has come away from the course not only with increased confidence and self-control, but with a career aspiration for the first time since I have known him. He is now determined to pursue a career working with animals in the outdoors. This young person previously struggled with self-control and managing his relationships with both peers and staff. He has since become much calmer and more willing to reflect on his choices. I cannot recommend Darcy’s Equine Centre highly enough. Darcy’s were also able to offer places to a further two young people from our school – sisters who had suffered a hugely traumatic bereavement of their brother, following a very protracted illness. Darcy’s provided the girls a vehicle to express their grief and mark their brother’s passing – both girls reports this as a very positive experience."