WHEN Runcorn resident Daniel Schofield delivered a birds of prey flying experience for his parents at Cheshire Falconry in Northwich, his proud mum Sarah suddenly realised that she was looking to her son for guidance as to what to do for the first time in his life.

Daniel, 23, has ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome and learning difficulties, and is a student at Petty Pool College.

He has been attending a project at Cheshire Falconry which is run by social enterprise Hack Back CIC.

With the help of the team from Cheshire Falconry, Hack Back CIC delivers therapeutic interventions and training for people with a wide range of neurodiverse conditions including autism and ADHD.

Psychologist and Director of Hack Back CIC Anita Morris has been delivering interventions using birds of prey for the past 16 years and for the past 10 years through the social enterprise.

Runcorn and Widnes World: Daniel in his elementDaniel in his element

Like many organisations, Hack Back suffered badly throughout the pandemic as it was ineligible for any government funding and has only managed to survive due to the support of The Magical Woodland, which runs light shows every year in October, November and December at their Blakemere site.

The Magical Woodland’s director Steve Birchall said: “I am thrilled that the light show not only brings joy to thousands of people but has been able to have such a positive impact on local young people through the Hack Back CIC and Petty Pool College project.”

Daniel’s parents have been delighted with the impact that the project has had on Daniel noticing how much calmer he is and he also has a greater ability to self-regulate his emotions.

Hack Back CIC and Petty Pool College are currently working together to find ways to fund the project into the future and continue to impact the mental health and wellbeing of students who attend the college.