How can your service save us time and money in finding a farm site?

Stephen will start by writing up his search proposal or evaluating your own site search plan objectively, flag up early any impractical aspects and prepare a written synopsis that can be circulated to farmers on an in-house database list and also to others via his professional contacts in the industry.

Why can’t we contact local farmers directly ourselves?

All farms and farmers are not the same. It is easy to lose what could be the best ones by a premature approach that does not provide sufficient assurance in a number of areas. Alternatively, a willing farmer may not be a good partner for you − some farms and farmers are just not suited to the Care concept.

Can’t I use the National Care Farming Initiative’s website to find a suitable farm?

Yes, that’s the first step. However, there may not be an appropriate one listed within a convenient travelling distance. Alternatively, your service users may be better on a standard farm that would welcome a new initiative rather than fitting into the regime of a recognised Care Farm − it’s all a question of the best fit for the service user.

How much do your services cost?

Stephen would first meet with you, under no obligation, and follow this up with a suggested action plan which would include an estimate of costs.

What can our service users do on a farm?

It all depends on the interests of the particular group of service users, their support needs and the particular farm. There can be the usual regular daily checks on the well being, feeding and supplementing bedding for livestock, collecting eggs, also the opportunity to develop new skills such as property maintenance, conservation and possibly woodcraft work. Vegetable growing can involve a variety of hands-on tasks, including selling and possibly cooking, if a farm shop or cafe exists.

What happens if our service users don’t like dirty manual jobs?

Some farms can provide alternative meaningful activities, such as learning to cook, art classes or just farm walks/exercise, eg a Nordic walking track.

What happens when service users have a break, will they feel safe?

Yes, probably more than anywhere they have visited. Dependent on the individual farm, a break might be spent in the farmhouse kitchen with one or more members of the farming family or on larger holdings in a purpose built cafe/commercial kitchen. Alternatively, a farm may be specifically selected for its quiet location, nature trails, traditional orchard or, if your risk assessment allows, fishing ponds.