What Depden Means to me

I’ve been coming to Depden Care Farm for almost three years. I love interacting with all the animals. I love all the work that Tim and the team do here at the farm. I you want to work in animal care, or learn about making woodwork stuff like bird boxes, or would like to learn how to use a petrol mower, then look no further than Depden Care Farm! Its super supportive. It’ made a big difference to my life.
Ted
Farm Helper
farm helper putting a headcollar on a horse
farm helper harvesting a cabbage
My name is Rachel I have been going to Depden Care Farm now for two years. I have cerebral palsy, epilepsy and I am registered severely sighted. When I first started at the farm I had a one to one support worker to assist with all activities around the farm. I am now able to work within a small group of friends who have their own difficulties and challenges and one member of staff. Thanks to the support and encouragement from staff my confidence has grown and grown. I am also grateful that the access around the farm is now more accessible and allowed me to improve my ability to take part in all areas of the farm. I love going to the farm and my favourite thing to do is looking after all of the animals. We also get to grow vegetables that are then displayed outside for those in the community to buy. I really enjoy taking part in growing the vegetables and helping my community.

Everybody at the farm helps each other which is great and I have made some amazing friends. We are like one big family and I love coming to the farm. Every day is different.
Rachel
Farm Helper
"When my son started at Depden Care Farm, I didn’t expect him to last too long there! He has been asked to leave several groups over the years due to the problems that his multiple hidden disabilities cause for him and consequently everyone around him. However, things were going really well and then the pandemic struck. After shielding for fourteen months, my son’s mental health took a complete nose dive as the world began to open up again. His anxiety went through the roof and he found life a huge challenge. However, Tim and team were very helpful and starting with just an hour a day, my son was gradually able to buld his time at the farm back up to two full days a week. He would not have been able to do this without the patience, dedication , support, care and encouragement of Tim and his amazing team. Over the past years my son has blossomed like never before. He has become happier, more confident , more independent, he has pride in himself and his self-esteem has increased immeasurably. For the first time ever, my son is working as part of team he has friends.

As a result of the stability provided for my son at the farm, I have been able to reduce, then stop most of his mood and behaviour controlling medication. I couldn’t be more grateful to Tim and the fabulous team at Depden, I hope they know how much they have given to my fabulous young man. The peace of mind it has given me is an immense gift from then and will be forever thankful."
Kerry
Parent
farm helper and team member in the workshop
farm helper with vegetables that have been grown on the farm
"When my son began attending Depden Care Farm he was unhappy and anxious, he was not speaking very much, his sleep and eating was poor and he was uninterested in engaging in activities. Slowly, slowly over time the old Chris reappeared and he began to flourish. The therapeutic benefits of caring for the animals and tending the plants in a calm peaceful setting has had huge benefits. There is a sense of community and everyone caring for each other this coupled with patient, caring staff who gained Chris’ trust, engaged him in activities and helped him find happiness again. After a meaningful days work in the outdoors Chris came home tired and so his sleep improved and his appetite increased.

Thanks to the patience and kindness of staff slowly words returned and eventually conversations. Chris began to find a purpose again, he found friendship. In turn Chris’ family were able to relax knowing that Chris was safe, happy and doing meaningful activities."
Kim
Parent
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