Suffolk care farm to benefit from funding boost

The charity that runs Depden Care Farm in Suffolk has been awarded £5,000 from the CLA Charitable Trust (CLACT) to support its work.

The CLACT is funded almost entirely by subscriptions and donations from members of the CLA, an organisation which represents nearly 30,000 farmers, landowners and rural businesses.

It provides grants to charities and community organisations across England and Wales who share its vision to help connect young people who are disabled or disadvantaged with the countryside.

The Millennium Farm Trust, which runs Depden Care Farm, will be using the funding to enable the completion of a network of accessible all weather paths around the farm.

The farm provides young adults who have learning disabilities or acquired brain injuries the opportunity to learn skills in agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry.

Tim Freathy, Director of Depden Care Farm, said:

“The path network here at the farm is a real game changer. It enables people to participate in farming life who otherwise wouldn’t be able to join in simply because their mobility doesn’t allow them to. Thanks to the help provided by CLACT these paths will change that. It’s amazing to see what a relatively simple modification to farm infrastructure can do for the health and wellbeing of those who come here. It’s lovely to see.”

Bridget Biddell, Chairman of CLACT, said: “Depden Care Farm is providing a crucial service and their work enhances the knowledge and understanding of farming for those who visit. We are proud to be able to support their work and delighted that the CLACT has been able to support the funding towards their accessible path.”

Since its foundation in 1980, the CLACT has given more than £1.9m in grants to a wide variety of organisations and projects. If you would like to know more about applying for funding, or to donate, visit https://www.cla.org.uk/about-cla/charitable-trust/