The initial £10,000 will enable our service users (co-farmers) to run their own project – giving them new confidence and skills. Co-farmers (adults with learning disabilities, some also with autism) will be supported to deliver a farm, garden and kitchen based day service for older people with dementia from a neighbouring care home. Co-farmers will design and deliver a programme of activities including vegetable growing, animal husbandry and cooking to engage the dementia residents. Together they will then run a community lunch for local people. The project aims to directly reach 168 people who will benefit from improved physical health, a connection with nature and the outdoors; healthy food options and community cohesion. Indirect beneficiaries will be 192 members of the co-farmer and dementia resident’s families.
Due to the impact of the Covid pandemic and a change in ownership at our original base, FarmAbility now operates on a range of ‘outreach’ locations, across Oxfordshire. Our sites are welcoming and diverse in the range of activities available, but most are not able to provide the full facilities we need, especially in the colder months and/or can only accommodate us for one day a week. We will use the additional £40,000 towards our project of securing a permanent and full-time base.
