Farming support organisation moves to larger Shropshire HQ
A UK organisation which specialises in supporting famers who use therapeutic farming practices to help vulnerable people improve their well-being has moved to larger offices in Shropshire.
Care Farming UK was originally based at Harper Adams University College in Edgmond and since becoming formally incorporated as a limited company and a charity has taken larger offices in Salop House in College Hill, Shrewsbury.
Executive officer Gaynor Tate said that the expansion would enable the business to raise its profile and flourish over the coming years.
She explained: “We work with farmers who combine care of the land with care of people and are seeing more and more land owners involved in this type of activity which benefits groups such as those with mental health problems, learning disabilities, drug or alcohol problems, disaffected young people, adults and youths on probation, children in care, ex-servicemen or young carers. Participants are given meaningful tasks to improve self-esteem and promote mental and physical well-being.
“Our new offices will enable us to develop the movement further across the UK and see thriving farms and landscapes providing social, educational, therapeutic and development opportunities.
“We started in 2005 with four original partners and since then there has been a steady growth in farms and rural holdings operating as care farms in the UK and there are now more than 180 registered on our website and a large number interested in joining,” Gaynor said.
Care Farming UK supports local, regional and national networks, assists with training and networking events and seminars and liaises with other agricultural organisations and health, social, justice and educational agencies. It also runs taster sessions for special needs schools, pupil referral units and children in care.
