PARENT & CARERS

'I can't begin to explain how much of a difference attending the Here I Am sessions has made to my child. From day one, everyone was so welcoming and reassuring, allowing my child to lead the way so they never felt under pressure or overwhelmed.

Having staff who truly understand these young people and their needs has made my child feel understood, accepted, and safe. Because they feel safe here and are able to be themselves, their confidence has grown significantly.

Prior to attending these sessions, I had a child with severe anxiety who could barely leave the house or even speak to family members outside of our immediate household. Now, they are beginning to venture out more, are open to the idea of forming friendships again, and have even exchanged phone numbers with some of the other young people who attend the project. They have also baked cookies to share with staff, parents, and peers at the Here I Am sessions and felt comfortable enough to speak to each person and offer them out.

My child's mental health has improved dramatically. While there is still a journey ahead, I feel like I have my child back—the kind, witty, and funny person they were before they shut themselves off from the world for nearly 20 months. They are more open to going out, socialising with family members, have greater motivation, and a much more positive outlook on life.

What my child has enjoyed most about Empowering Futures is the fact that they can be themselves without fear of judgement. The goats have also been a firm favourite!

I would wholeheartedly recommend this project to anyone in a similar situation. I cannot express the difference it has made to both my child and me. We found this project at a time when we felt completely stuck—we had no direction, no idea what would come next, and very little support. We have gone from feeling isolated, stressed, and deflated to feeling understood, supported, and hopeful.

I cannot thank the team enough for this opportunity or for the kindness, understanding, and support they have shown us. It really has made a world of difference. Thank you'

- Parent, Summer 2026 

The Here I Am project has been life changing for ***. To be somewhere where he needs are met and understood is so valuable. In the last 12 weeks the change in *** has been amazing . Not only has his confidence soared, he is also talking more to people he would have never spoke to,  joining in at the project, talking more at home and wanting to be out of his room so much more. This is huge for us as a family as his room is his safe space but now he says that the farm is his safe space too. This is so life changing for *** and we cannot wait to see what happens next for him as he continues this journey after the summer. 

The Here I Am project not only benefits *** but me too. As a parent who felt so isolated and alone in dealing with ***’s additional needs I now feel like I am part of something too. This is down to the fabulous parent group led by Louisa, I have made new connections and friends and I’m always made to feel a part of and not alone anymore. Not just by Louisa but all the staff. 

***’s whole outlook on the project has been so positive. To see him go from a child who wouldn’t leave his room, wouldn’t go out the house, couldn’t interact with people he didn’t know, even just being at new place was a flat out refusal, but from the very first time we came to the farm to look around he seemed different. He’s calm, relaxed & happy there. He’s loved every activity that he has taken part in, he is finding things that interests him more and he has even decided that he wants to be able to continue there & he’s hoping to be able to be part of Empowering Futures as he gets older ! It’s given *** an outlook to a future that he wants. That is all down to the environment you all are creating for our young people. All the staff are incredible & *** & myself feel very honoured to be able to be a part of it. 


You are all making something you should be incredibly proud of. The Here I Am project is the best thing to have access to for us & especially ***. It’s a special place, filled with love & support from a very special group of people."

- Parent, Summer 2026