Crystal's Success Story

Crystal has struggled all of her short life, an unstable childhood meant her moving from one foster home to another; which understandably led to growing mental health issues. Inevitably, things escalated and on occasions and increasingly, police and hospital intervention have been required. Insecurity and instability made it impossible for Crystal to trust anyone thereby engaging with anyone or anything was futile, awkward and difficult. Finally, Crystal was referred to Greatwood by Wiltshire Care Leavers and thus began the incredible turn-around in the future and fortune of Crystal.

In 2018, Crystal enrolled and successfully completed a 30-week City and Guilds Level 1 Diploma in Land Based Studies and 6 day 1st4Sport Entry Level 2 Award in Assisting with Basic Care of Horses at Greatwood. Since then she has found a new sense of purpose and Crystal finds it much easier to engage in all aspects of everyday life and is now feeling extremely positive about her future and career goals thanks to her time at Greatwood. So much so, that now wishing to pursue a career within the racing industry, Crystal has applied and has been accepted on a Residential Foundation Course Level 1 Diploma in Work Based Racehorse Care at the Northern Racing College in Doncaster and will be starting the course in January 2019.

"I just wanted to say thank you for all the help and support you have given me, Before I came to Greatwood my head was everywhere - if I hadn’t met you or the horses I would still be in the same boat so I would just like to say a huge thank you because you and the horses have been a huge part in getting where I am today……. These are the first courses that I have actually stuck at, completed and passed…..thank you for sticking with me because in my eyes I feel amazing thanks to you."

Crystal with The Risking Viking at Greatwood Charity

Crystal with The Risking Viking