By Big Fish Farm Community Interest Company
Big Fish Project is seeking funding to replace the leaking roof and deteriorating doors of our on-site workshop. Completing this work will create a safe, secure and weatherproof year-round skills
Big Fish Project provides farm-based therapeutic placements for children and adults in West Oxfordshire who struggle in mainstream settings, including those with autism, ADHD and mental health challenges. Our workshop is central to delivering structured woodwork and practical skills sessions that build confidence, resilience and emotional regulation. However, the current corrugated roof is leaking and the double doors are deteriorating and no longer fully secure. Despite insulating the interior, water ingress continues during heavy rain, putting tools and electrical equipment at risk and disrupting sessions. We are seeking funding to replace the roof with insulated, weatherproof panels and install secure double doors. This will create a safe, dry, year-round skills space that meets safeguarding standards and ensures consistent provision through the winter months, benefiting vulnerable local residents and strengthening essential community infrastructure.
What we'll deliver:
Why it's a great idea:
This project will create a safe, secure and weatherproof workshop space, allowing Big Fish Project to deliver consistent year-round support for vulnerable children and adults in West Oxfordshire. By preventing water ingress and improving security, we will protect essential tools and equipment used for structured skills sessions, ensuring continuity of provision regardless of weather. For young people who struggle in mainstream education, predictability and stability are vital. A reliable indoor space enables routine, reduces anxiety and supports emotional regulation. The improved workshop will increase safety, meet safeguarding standards and allow us to expand practical learning opportunities, volunteer involvement and community projects. Ultimately, this investment strengthens local preventative support, helping individuals build confidence, independence and resilience while reducing pressure on schools and families.
Steps to get it done:
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Whoop, 10 people have pledged since fundraising began!
Whoop, 10 people have pledged since fundraising began!
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How will the money be spent?Target (inc. fees) £6,843
Costs Breakdown
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Overfunding
This project is enabled for overfunding. If the project hits its funding goal before the end of the campaign period, any extra funds raised will be spent (in order of priority) on:
Target (inc. fees) £6,843
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VolunteerBig Fish Project is a farm-based therapeutic provision based in West Oxfordshire, supporting children, young people and adults who struggle in mainstream environments. We specialise in working with individuals who may have autism, ADHD, anxiety or mental health challenges, as well as those experiencing social isolation or barriers to education.
Our approach is practical, relational and grounded in nature. Through structured farm activities, woodwork, animal care and hands-on projects, we help individuals build confidence, develop life skills and experience a sense of purpose. Many of the young people we support have struggled in traditional classrooms and benefit from predictable routines, small-group support and learning through doing.
We work in partnership with local schools, families and professionals to provide preventative support that reduces pressure on education settings and helps individuals re-engage positively. Sessions are carefully supervised, safeguarding-led and designed to promote emotional regulation, resilience and independence.
Big Fish Project was founded in response to a clear local need for alternative, therapeutic support within a rural setting. Since launching, we have steadily grown our provision while reinvesting income back into improving facilities and expanding access. Big Fish Project has been recognised locally with a business award for its community impact, reflecting the strength of our relationships and the need for our work in West Oxfordshire. We are a small, community-led organisation with strong local relationships and a commitment to long-term sustainability.
Our on-site workshop is central to delivering practical skills sessions and vocational-style activities. We have already invested in insulating the interior to improve energy efficiency and comfort. This campaign represents the next phase in strengthening our essential infrastructure so we can continue delivering consistent, safe and meaningful support for vulnerable residents across West Oxfordshire.
Project Owner: Big Fish Farm Community Interest Company The Project Owner takes legal responsibility for receiving and spending the funds raised and ensuring the project is delivered.
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