homeVision
Our Vision and mission
Our vision is to create a safe and stimulating environment where all individuals can connect with nature and others to promote their personal well-being. We believe that activities on our farm will give individuals a clear sense of purpose allowing them to build self-esteem, confidence, well-being and to flourish. The principles of environmental and social sustainability are at the heart of the project. We believe that through this project we can make a very positive contribution to peoples' lives and our local community. The 5 ways of positive well-being run through the core of the project these are:
- Connect – with people and the world around you
- Be active – discover a physical activity you enjoy
- Take notice – be aware of yourself and the world around you
- Keep learning – try something new, rediscover an old interest
- Give – do something nice for a friend or a stranger
The Project – where we are now
In October 2009 we will be gearing up to offer a number of activities on the farm in the run up to Christmas. These will be based primarily in what we are calling the 'project field', an acre patch close to the farm house and outbuildings. We will be building the infrastructure of a large vegetable garden, including erecting a polytunnel, creating raised beds, a hen enclosure, a patio area and accessible pathways. We are hoping that we will also be able to make a start on essential works to our woodland area in preparation for the introduction of a red squirrel population.
In the near future we are planning to increase our activities by offering allotments and horticultural and farming activities to all local community members. These are incremental steps towards our over-riding plan to create a successful care farming business.
Our five over-riding strategic objectives
- At all times structure the project to facilitate the maximum amount of connectivity and interaction with the local community
- Ensure an ethos where individuals will be encouraged to take responsibility for their personal well-being
- Supporting people to develop skills and widen their experience
- Ensure a fully inclusive project which eliminates stigma and discrimination of all disadvantaged and marginalised groups and individuals.
- Strong focus the principles of permaculture, organic farming, good animal husbandry, sustainable energy usage, recycling and wildlife management.
What our project will deliver
- The promotion of social inclusion
- The promotion of integration of different communities
- The promotion of health and well-being
- The promotion of farming practice which is both compassionate and organic
- The promotion of permaculture and self sufficient lifestyles
- Providing people with a place to meet and connect with each other and with nature
- Providing interesting and stimulating activities
- Providing the opportunity for the recovery of self confidence and self esteem
- Providing training, support and advice
- Promotion of local food production
- Promotion of a positive response to climate change and peak oil issues
'Five Ways to well-being' Postcards Acknowledgement
These quotes/actions/tips/suggestions** are taken from the Foresight project Mental Capital and Wellbeing published in October 2008. The project commissioned the centre for well-being at nef (the economics foundation) to develop 'five ways to wellbeing': a set of evidence-based actions to improve personal wellbeing.
Foresight helps government to think systemically about the future. Find out more and read the full project report
nef (the economics foundation) is an independent think-and-do tank. We believe in economics as if people and the planet mattered. Find out more about our work - Click Here
The 'five ways to wellbeing' are rooted in a wealth of evidence, and show that there are simple, positive actions that people can take to improve their well-being... – Nic Marks, founder of the centre for well-being at nef