In part 2 of this 2-part series Geoff answers the question ‘What is a care farm’ and explains how they outwork it.
What is a care farm?
There are about 260 care farms in the UK (over 1100 in The Netherlands!) and they are all different. Their purpose is to use ‘green space’ to care for vulnerable people. Our charity, Pathways Care Farm, provides therapeutic day care for people who live with mental ill-health, learning difficulties and dementia. With over 20,000 volunteer hours to date we have transformed a farm which had been derelict for about 25 years into a beautiful, thriving, functioning piece of heaven on earth. A community which people belong to, not just a place they visit.
Volunteers are key. We have a wonderful, dedicated group of superstars; some are from the church but many are not. We all share a vision to give people a good day by offering meaningful work in a safe and supported environment.
We use nature but give time
It is far too easy to label people and group them by diagnosis, but the most vital aspect of Pathways is that every individual is exactly that – an individual. Everyone is treated with respect and dignity whilst working together to look after animals (goats, chickens, alpacas, donkeys and a pig) and growing flowers, fruit and vegetables. The result is that people grow in confidence and self-esteem (and many gain new skills).
This kind of community is messy. People don’t conform to a ‘norm’ where everything fits together nicely. People have moods and hurts, issues, hopes and dreams. Some have been traumatised or abused, and need love, care and empathy. Mostly, people need time and consistency. They have to feel secure in the knowledge that they really do have a voice and a value… that they truly belong.
One of our guys who lives with severe mental health issues recently texted me:
“Thank you to everyone at Pathways, I’m a changed person when I get home”.
A wife and carer of a man with Alzheimer’s wrote:
“Every morning my husband says ‘Is it the farm today?’ and if I say ‘no’ he just wants to stay in bed”.
We have seen people come off all medication within a few months of joining us. We have seen others recover from depression and be able to return to work with renewed strength and purpose. One man, who had hardly spoken in over 40 years due to abuse and feelings of inadequacy, is now volunteering with us and supporting other vulnerable people!
Belonging not rejected
We take people that the world often rejects or puts in a convenient box and we introduce them to a community that they can belong to. This is the church that I always wanted to be a part of.
For more information visit our website.