Shropshire MP sees care farming in action

A groundbreaking health and social care project which will see a network of working 'care farms' established across the region has been showcased to Ludlow MP Philip Dunne.

Care Farming West Midlands (CFWM) was set up with investment worth over £400,000 from the Advantage West Midlands Rural Regeneration Zone and is expected to see up to 20 new social enterprise care farms created across Shropshire, Herefordshire and rural Worcestershire.

Mr Dunne visited Tickwood Farm near Much Wenlock to see firsthand how the farms have the dual benefits of developing existing farm businesses while also providing a positive lifestyle for individuals traditionally excluded from society.

These working farms help a variety of individuals including those with learning disabiliities, people recovering from substance misuse or mental health problems, young people excluded from school and the long-term unemployed.

Edward and Anna Dugdale run Tickwood Farm which provides support for groups of vulnerable people.

Tickwood Farm is working with Care Farming West Midlands on developing its care farming activities.

Jon Dover, Policy Manager at Care Farming West Midlands, explained: “Care farms provide a practical combination of meaningful work, a supportive daily structure and connection with other people in a natural and healthy environment which can have a major impact on health, well-being and rehabilitation.

“Care farms originally developed in the Netherlands where there are now more than 1,000 farms of this type providing rehabilitation and support, effectively saving millions to society in terms of medical and social care treatment.

“Tickwood Farm has been doing excellent work for some time and with the help of CFWM it is planned to further develop the services offered to care commissioning organisations like local authorities and the probation service. Tickwood Farm has an important role in strengthening the care farming movement in Shropshire.

“Often people only need a second chance in life and the farming environment can be perfect to provide structure and regular routine.”

Philip Dunne MP said: “I was pleased to have this opportunity to visit the inspirational scheme at Tickwood.

“Importantly, care farms like Tickwood can have a major impact on traditional health and care services. They enable those with long-term conditions to undertake meaningful and fulfilling work and training which builds confidence and self-esteem in a practical and enjoyable way.

“South Shropshire has played a leading role through Oak Farm at Ditton Priors and Willowdene Farm at Chorley in pioneering care farm developments in this country. Tickwood is taking this a step further by seeking to integrate the benefits of care farming to all three main user groups of those with learning difficulties, whether adults or children, as well as prolific offenders and drug abusers needing rehabilitation and training.

“Participants gain the satisfaction of literally seeing the fruits of their labour.”

The West Midlands is the first region in the UK to provide investment and structure to develop care farming. Ian Edwards, Head of the Rural Regeneration Zone, said: “The Rural Regeneration Zone has recognised the potential of care farming and we are keen to support the pioneer care farms here in Shropshire.

“The opportunity to address social exclusion is significant, but the economic benefit is important as well as diversification for farmers is a vital and care farming also helps us to address this.”

Photo: Philip Dunne sees care farming in action.