A FARMING project in Winsford that gives 'a huge boost’ to adults living with learning disabilities is reaching out to potential new 'rangers'.
Let’s Farm is a collaboration between Darnhall farmer, Rosie Lee, and learning disability champion Nicola Colenso, which strives to bring ‘meaningful purpose’ to the lives of over 18s living with learning disabilities, who sometimes struggle finding their niche after leaving full-time education.
While working as a ranger, the project offer a chance to learn valuable skills, build meaningful relationships, and to experience all the ups and downs of life on a real, 100- acre working farm.
One year into the project, Let’s Farm is holding an open day on Tuesday, February 14, to attract new rangers, as well as their families, carers, social workers, and teachers looking for opportunities for their students once they leave school.
Nicola Colenso said: “The open day is to let people know we’re here, and what we’re doing.
"It’s about giving our rangers meaningful purpose – something to get up in the morning that’s not tokenistic and makes them feel valued.
“Leaving full-time education can be a bit of a cliff edge. They’re not necessarily walking straight into a 40-hour per week job.
“In terms of mental health and wellbeing, being outside in the fresh air and having the physical exercise ticks all the boxes for them.
“A lot of young people with the learning disabilities don’t have a social network. They can’t get in the car to go and see their friends, or they can’t just nip into town.
“Many of our rangers have built new friendships while they’ve been working here. All those things together give a huge boost to their quality of life.”
The farm is home to 100 pedigree Shropshire sheep, 80 lambs, six Ruby Red Devon cattle, three Hereford cattle, and Dotty, a rare breed middle white sow who is current expecting up to 10 piglets.
Other residents include horses, Vera, Faith, and Jazz, pedigree lion-haired rabbits and emus.
Nicola added: “We’ve been open a year now, and we're already starting to diversify.
“We’re going into allotment gardening, which is exciting, and sustainable arts and crafts with things from the land around us, for those that are less into the farming side of things.”
Let’s Farm’s open day is on Tuesday, February 14, 10am to 2pm. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
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