No one should be left behind
Our Story
We are a Charity called Empowering Futures, and our main purpose is to be a care farm. We spent the last 5 years searching for a suitable, accessible piece of land and just over a year ago we purchased land in Hambrook, South Gloucestershire. We had hoped that this would provide the charity with stability and security, and allow us to start making a difference to people in the local community. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and several difficulties with planning permission we have still not be able to open fully and run sessions to help those who need us the most. We have finally now been granted planning permission to open but have exhausted all our funds due to the difficulties, so although we have planning permission, we do not have the money to get started on the much needed infrastructure. We need funds for running water and a water treatment plant, toilet and cooking facilities inside the new building and forestry equipment to be able to run sessions for local children with additional needs. We also need a poly tunnel that enables us to run sessions in horticulture even when it is pouring with rain! Having never asked for any kind of funding before, we have always been really proud of ourselves that we have self funded the charity, but unfortunately we cannot continue in this way and we really need your support!
Our Project
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to have learn new skills, gain a job or just enjoy the outdoors. We want to ensure everyone has access to green space. As a care farm with volunteers trained in Care Farming, we aim to provide a supervised, structured program of farm related activity for people with a defined need, people who maybe aren’t able to access any other setting due to their needs. The care that we provide is bespoke, person-centered and focused solely on the individual. Our animals bestow on us their natural therapeutic benefits, and allow people to enjoy nature closer than they usually have been able to before. We also offer nature based craft activities, woodworking and the planting of produce and herbs, alongside forestry school for children with additional needs. We are able to ensure people who come to us are able to enjoy green space, and with our innovative goat walking activities, everyone gets some exercise, whether they realise it or not!
We work on a referral and appointment basis only, on a very small scale. The quality work we provide only happens because of this small scale, and also the specific tailored approach. The people we work with have various disabilities and learning difficulties, and as such thrive in a small setting. The social context of working in a team whilst experiencing the natural outdoor environment increases social inclusion and breaks down barriers and prejudices between social groups. It gives people greater independence as they grow their skills set.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic we were able to provide a space for children and adults with compromised immune systems that was safe, and they were able to enjoy the outdoors without any risk of coming into contact with others. We want to build on these relationships now, and continue to provide support to these people who are not able to access green space elsewhere.
Our Ethos for the Site
We are very passionate about the environment, nature and community. Our vision to ensure bio-diversity is restored on site has led us to plant 1000 saplings on the site last year and we aim to plant another 1000 this year, with donations from the Woodland Trust helping us to reach this target. We have introduced a native hedgerow along the borders and have planned a wildflower meadow to be planted this year. We are careful to ensure that any existing habitats on the site are safe and the wildlife corridors are left intact, and we are very conscious of being environmentally friendly, and re-use and recycle wherever possible. We make our own compost, and use this alongside mulch we make from donations of Christmas trees and tree clippings from local tree surgeons.
Next Steps
Throughout the last year we have had to turn away so many requests and referrals for help, something we would never have wanted to do. We are desperate to help those in the local community that need us and we were so excited to receive our official planning permission at the start of the year, but we really need your help now more than ever! Your support will allow us to meet our goals and vision for our site in Hambrook. It will enable us to help those who are excluded in their community, those unable to access other settings due to their disabilities and give them opportunities they would never get elsewhere.
We cannot thank you enough for your support,
Empowering Futures Team