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Doncaster Stroke Group 

This week we were incredibly proud to welcome members of the Doncaster Stroke Group to Carriage Driving Community CIC for another inspiring day of inclusive carriage driving, confidence building and community connection.

Watching individuals develop new skills, support one another and experience the freedom and enjoyment of carriage driving is exactly why our project exists.

Many people arriving for the first time are understandably nervous, particularly after life-changing health experiences such as stroke, illness or reduced mobility. However, with patient coaching, calm equines, adapted opportunities and lots of encouragement, confidence quickly begins to grow.

One of the most rewarding parts of the day was seeing participants smiling, relaxing and enjoying time outdoors while learning completely new skills in a safe and supportive environment.

At Carriage Driving Community CIC we strongly believe that disability, illness or reduced mobility should never prevent someone from accessing meaningful experiences, social opportunities or the chance to achieve something new.

Our sessions focus not only on carriage driving itself, but also:

• wellbeing

• social connection

• confidence building

• gentle activity

• teamwork

• emotional support

• and creating opportunities that are genuinely accessible.

Of course, no session would be complete without Elvis, our assistance dog and wellbeing mascot, helping to welcome visitors and supervise activities throughout the day! 🐾

A huge thank you to everyone from Doncaster Stroke Group for visiting us and to our wonderful volunteers and team who help make these sessions possible.

We are already looking forward to welcoming everyone back again soon.

💙 One drive at a time, we continue breaking down barriers together. 💙

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Social Prescribing- Stories and updates

ELVIS MEET AND GREET

### 🐾 Meet Elvis

Elvis is our much-loved assistance dog and a very special part of the Carriage Driving Community.

Before many sessions begin, participants are welcomed by Elvis, offering a calm and friendly introduction to the environment. For some, this first interaction helps ease nerves, reduce anxiety, and create a sense of comfort before meeting the horses or getting into the carriage.

Elvis has a natural ability to connect with people. Whether it’s a quiet moment sitting alongside someone, a gentle greeting, or simply being present, he plays an important role in helping individuals feel safe, relaxed, and included.

For those who may find new environments overwhelming, Elvis often becomes the first point of connection — building confidence, encouraging interaction, and helping people settle into the session at their own pace.

He’s more than just a friendly face… he’s part of the wellbeing journey.

🐾 Elvis Approved

### Celebrating Achievement 💙

At the end of each “Give Carriage Driving a Go” session, every participant receives a certificate to recognise their involvement and achievement.

For many, this represents more than just trying something new. It marks a step forward — building confidence, overcoming nerves, and taking part in an inclusive, supportive experience. Whether it was their first time around horses or simply a moment to reconnect and engage, each certificate reflects a personal milestone.

Alongside this, participants are awarded an Elvis Approved Social Prescribing badge 🐾.

This special badge is a light-hearted but meaningful part of the day, recognising the positive energy, effort, and connection shown throughout the session. It also celebrates the role Elvis plays in welcoming and supporting participants, helping to create a calm and friendly environment from the very beginning.

Together, the certificate and Elvis Approved badge provide a lasting reminder of the experience — something to take home with pride, and a symbol of wellbeing in action.

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Doncaster Stroke Group 

We were delighted to welcome members of the Doncaster Stroke Group to the yard for a session of socially prescribed carriage driving — and what a fantastic day it was.

From the moment they arrived, the atmosphere was full of warmth, encouragement, and plenty of laughter. Carriage driving offers so many benefits, particularly for those on a recovery journey. It supports confidence building, coordination, and gentle physical engagement, all while being fully accessible and adaptable to each individual’s needs. Just as importantly, it creates space for connection, shared experiences, and that all-important sense of achievement.

Participants had the opportunity to drive a specially prepared course, and it was an absolute joy to see their confidence grow with every step. There was a real sense of pride as everyone received their Elvis Approved stickers and a certificate of achievement to recognise what they had accomplished — a moment that meant so much to each and every one of them.

And of course… Elvis went down an absolute storm as usual 🐾✨
Our four-legged ambassador made sure everyone felt welcome, bringing his own brand of joy, calm, and a few cheeky moments that had everyone laughing.

A special thank you to Anne Chambers for her continued support of the club and our participants. Anne kindly brought her own carriage along, which meant we were able to run two carriages and sit side by side , allowing the instructor to support participants closely and safely throughout their experience. This made a huge difference to the session and the confidence of those taking part.

It was also wonderful to see my Stepdad, Kerry, enjoying the day — keeping everyone entertained with his funny stories and anecdotes. Following the loss of my Mum, this group has provided him with much-needed company and connection too. It really is a reminder that the benefits of these sessions work both ways.

A truly uplifting day that perfectly captures what socially prescribed carriage driving is all about — wellbeing, inclusion, and creating moments that matter.