Groups at the Farm
Group Activities at the Farm
The Life Opportunities programme at the Community Farm provides a range of horticultural, environmental and craft activities to learning disabled adults and adults with mental health support needs. The Farm currently runs groups twice a week, on Mondays and on Wednesdays, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The groups provide service users with an opportunity to participate in a range of gardening, environmental and craft related activities at the Farm, under close supervision from trained staff.
In addition to these groups, the Community Farm also runs a weekly Friday volunteer group which is aimed at people who are interested in developing their practical skills while supporting a local community project. A number of places are also available for volunteers within the Life Opportunities programme, to assist in providing support to service users.
As well as the Friday group, the Community Farm has a diverse range of other volunteering opportunities. Volunteers are welcome to come and help with existing projects and also with developing new ones. In return, the Community Farm offers learning opportunities, varied work experience, the opportunity to grow and take home fresh organic produce and the opportunity to participate in social events at the Farm.
Toolkit For Work Placements
The Community Farm also offers a number of work experience placements co-ordinated through the 'Toolkit For Work' programme. Toolkit For Work is a programme run in partnership between Workability and Care Co-ops' Life Opportunities Employment section. The programme provides support to unemployed adults with mental health support needs who are in receipt of disability and/or incapacity benefits. Individuals receive support in helping them to meet their employment and training goals and to develop confidence to achieve them. They are supported with advice and guidance, training and learning opportunities, and are supported in finding employment. A placement at the Farm would be tailored to each person's own requirements and goals, but would involve supporting the activities taking place elsewhere at the Farm, with close supervision from trained staff. Plans are also in place for NVQ training to be offered in Horticulture at the Farm at levels 1 and 2.
For further information about the Toolkit For Work programme, please visit the Toolkit For Work area of the website, or e-mail the Employment and Training section at employmentandtraining@careco-ops.org.uk, or alternatively call 01273 685300.