The idea
The aim of our project it to enhance the lives of adults with learning disabilities, Special educational needs, Social Emotional Mental Health, depression, anxiety and PTSD to learn new skills, build confidence and enhance their social skills in a safe nature setting. Our mission is to provide an inclusive, positive, hands on, therapeutic environment for adults particularly those who are experiencing high levels of adversity.
Attendees will form part of a group of individuals to come together and run Frampton Farm once a week. Assisting us in feeding and caring for our animals’ chickens, cows, ducks, turkeys, pigs, sheep, goats , alpacas. Learning animal husbandry, field maintenance, shelter and barn cleaning. As well as assisting us with growing fruit and veg.
Being outside in nature can improve mental and physical health. Reduce anxiety, depression, lower blood pressure & stress hormones, improving a person’s mood. Nature makes us happy and decreases negative emotions.
What we'll deliver
- Providing a new place for adults with learning disabilities, SEMH, SEND to learn new skills and socilise..
- 50 sessions - 1 per week Jan 2025-Dec 2025
- Create employment - 1 full time and 3 part time roles
- Gardening tools and a shed to store them in
- Refreshments for attendees
- Seeds, bulbs, compost to grow their own produce.
Why it's a great idea
Our project will support adults with neurodiversity, additional needs, SEMH from Dover, Folkestone and surrounding areas to be more independent and responsible.
Being on the farm will give them a reason to leave the house to attend the sessions.
Being responsible for the care of animals and strengthen their social skills working as a team.
Being in green spaces and around animals will help to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
Steps to get it done
- Starting to offer sessions
- Welcoming new group members
- Members learning how to care for animals
- Sowing seeds
- Potting on seedlings
- Watching and possibly assisting with lambing
- Weeding vegetable beds & poly tunnel ready for planting
- Planting out seedlings
- Harvesting vegetables
