Care Placements for Farm Helpers
What is a Farm Helper?
Our social care placements for Farm Helpers at Depden Care Farm are for adults with:
- Disabilities
- Learning difficulties
- Acquired brain injuries
- Long term physical and mental health issues
Once enrolled, our service users become Farm Helpers where they can enjoy seasonal tasks and activities around the farm to support their learning, development physical and mental health.
With no more than a dozen Farm Helpers on site at a time, Depden Care Farm offers a person-centred approach tailored for each individual. From 1-2-1 care for those who need more support, to offering more responsibility for those who are independent and physically able.
Our team are experienced, professionally trained and compassionate to all Farm Helpers, ensuring we provide a nurturing, safe and encouraging atmosphere where everyone can flourish.
Frequently asked questions
Whilst no previous farming experience is necessary, this work will appeal and benefit those who enjoy being outdoors and who are prepared to keep working in all weathers – at all times of the year.
The therapeutic benefits of Care Farming are well researched and documented. This type of ‘green’ therapy offers the chance to improve general physical and mental well-being and to gain in confidence and self-esteem through working with the animals and as part of a team. The work encourages responsibility and self-control – and can offer a mindful and calming experience.
The farm is home to a range of animals big and small – from horses, donkeys, sheep, and pigs, to reptiles, insects and birds. Our Farm Helpers feed, muck out and groom the animals which have all been carefully selected for their temperaments. They help collect eggs from the ducks, geese and hens and learn the basics of animal husbandry.
Farm Helpers harvest fruit in our rustic orchard, and plant and tend the vegetables in the polytunnel and vegetable patch. We also have a beautiful sensory garden with a water feature, wind chimes, fragrant roses and herbs.
As a group, we also enjoy cooking pizzas and making home-grown soups in our purpose-build outdoor kitchen. Farm Helpers can also build their skills in selling produce at our Veg Shed, which is open to the public.
We offer a range of opportunities for Farm Helpers to build their confidence and skill in a public setting. Around Christmas, the Farm Helpers are involved in selling Christmas trees, alongside our popular Veg Shed which sells seasonal produce to the public all year round. We also support Farm Helpers with community projects such a lawn mowing and garden maintenance.
We value everyone’s contribution at Depden Care Farm. We recognise that each individual is working towards their own goals, which are tracked and recorded to evaluate their progress during their time with us.
Our educational programmes provide the opportunity for Farm Helpers to work towards nationally recognised qualifications for those who want to.
Contract services
Depden Care Farm provides an outside contracting service. This opportunity gives our Farm Helpers the chance to widen their experience and strengthen their confidence by working in different locations and on unfamiliar projects. This work may include hedging and ditching and garden clearance.
