The idea
We have been invited to take up residence at a wonderful site in Gagingwell by the farm owner, who wishes to see a charity supporting people with disabilities using the site to support people to access experiences and places they may otherwise face barriers to reaching. This will be the MAP Garden, helping create pathways and routes into more opportunities.
In order to make the space useable and productive we need to do some initial site works in agreement with our hosts.
We are raising funds to install a converted container on the site to use as a classroom and a wet weather space. We will install a fully accessible compost toilet suitable for wheelchair users and others with limited mobility, and we will set up some extra height raised beds and a polytunnel to create space for our first year of growing. We will work together with our hosts to grow plants to order for the other businesses on site, creating more opportunities for our co-farmers (adults with learning disabilities).
What we'll deliver
- Install a fully accessible compost toilet
- Purchase and install a converted container to use as a classroom
- Construct a polytunnel for protected growing
- Purchase water butts for rainwater harvesting and solar panels for power
- Purchase a lockable storage shed for tools and equipment
- Employ a Programme Leader for 1 day per week for 12 months to deliver group activities on site to co-farmers
- Employ a Programme Assistant for 1 day per week for 12 months to deliver group activities on site to co-farmers
- Purchase and install a solar panel battery system to provide us with electricity
Why it's a great idea
By opening a new site together with our hosts at Gagingwell we will be able to offer access to our service to residents from the north of West Oxfordshire who otherwise face substantial transport barriers to accessing our activities.
At our sessions, co-farmers are active, improving physical health, as well as enjoying the mental and emotional health benefits of working outdoors and connecting to nature. Co-farmers and carers also tell us that our sessions help with focus and communication, improve sleep and general mood. Many autistic people find that working
outdoors reduces sensory overload increasing their capacity to engage in tasks. Most importantly, our co-farmers are able to develop social skills within an inclusive community, reducing social isolation and loneliness with many real and lasting friendships developed.
This site will also allow us to develop partnership enterprise activities, creating opportunities for us to generate a modest income to help cover ongoing costs.
Steps to get it done
- Purchase and install converted container classroom with solar power source
- Purchase and install accessible compost toilet
- Purchase and install water butts for rainwater harvesting
- Purchase and install polytunnel for growing
- Build extra height raised beds for growing
- Deliver first 8 months of weekly co-farmer learning sessions on site to at least 4 participants per day
Our project will benefit adults with an intellectual disability, who may also be autistic, to thrive in an outdoor, real working environment. It will provide a safe space for people to come and experience life on a working farm throughout the seasons. They will be involved in real, meaningful and productive work, something which is commonly out of reach for adults with additional needs who are unable to join the mainstream workforce.
