Success stories Jakub's Success Story

Jakub has lived in England for a number of years, working part-time in a garage. For some time, he believed that the only way he could cope with his acute stress and feelings of isolation was through drinking alcohol to excess. Earlier this year he began proactively seeking support for his addiction, and associated mental health problems, and was referred by the local drug and alcohol service to MIND where a community wellbeing support worker suggested he could benefit from taking part in the H.O.P.E project. Although Jakub has had very little contact with animals since he was a child, he quickly acquired a new set of skills and put them to excellent use caring for our Thoroughbred horses (and additionally gaining an accredited qualification). Yard staff commented that he had a natural empathy for the horses and clearly they had a great impact on him.

“I have a problem with contact and communication with people. Through the Greatwood team and the horses, I have been able to clearly read body language, which has made it easier to interact.”

Jakub also enjoyed working in a small group and listening to the life stories shared by others. He believes the experience has increased both his self-confidence and esteem; he became very motivated and engaged fully with every aspect of the programme.

“Usually if I attend a course or go somewhere, I normally only stay for a couple of hours. I have been able to come in every day of the course. I would definitely recommend the H.O.P.E™ to others”

He now feels he would like his life to go in a completely new direction and is planning to make time around work commitments, to volunteer at Greatwood and possibly to begin our land-based course in September as a first step towards a whole new career.