The value of the Rural Site Locator Service to Service User Managers

As a service user manager you may be aware that evidence exists on the benefits of involving various service user groups with on-farm activities and now would like to know more. As with many new ideas, it is the optimum implementation, not the concept itself, which holds the most value − this is where New Farm Horizons can explain and help with a Care Farming proposal.

The business was formed by Stephen Sellers specifically to fill the gap between service user manager and farmer, answering initial questions, making the link happen and aiming to maximise the potential of the Care Farming enterprise. Stephen will work with you on your organisation’s commitments on choice, independence, and other targets, including risk assessments and also as necessary with Valuing People, Direct Payments or any other government drives.

Farms surround most urban areas so in theory it may sound relatively simple to find a suitable site in the countryside but when you look more closely, they all offer different levels of benefit − some are not worth pursuing. Equally important to a successful venture is the right farmer/landowner with whom you will hope to create the best first impression and build a long term relationship.

Stephen Sellers will help you identify the most suitable site for your people with reassurance as required on risks, benefits, tax issues and other simple or more complex issues, thereby making it easier to realise your plans. With the combination of his experience on farms and Care Farming knowledge, he is in the best position to spot the sites with most potential for your people.

What the service aims to do for you

• Provide you with a prompt choice of optimum sites to visit, within your area and other agreed parameters, for your final selection

and also:

• Avoid disruption of your timetable and save you time
• Listen to your plans, agree the search parameters and keep you informed throughout the search for a site
• Meet and introduce the idea to the people you support as well as colleagues and answer any questions
• Decrease the time spent searching for sites and therefore the set-up time for your plans
• Increase the level of benefits from both the farm and the farmer selected
• Decrease the likelihood of unsettling changes for service users in the future