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The Farm to Work Project

The Farm to Work Project. What is care farming?. Use of agricultural farming as a base for promoting human physical and mental health combining productive farming with elements of health/social care Contract between farmer, client and health/social care agency

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The Farm to Work Project

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  1. The Farm to Work Project

  2. What is care farming? • Use of agricultural farming as a base for promoting human physical and mental health combining productive farming with elements of health/social care • Contract between farmer, client and health/social care agency • It seeks to develop people’s potential rather than focus on their limitations • Increasing research and evidence on the benefits of care farming across the world. • Care Farming Scotland set up 2008

  3. My first steps • I wanted to pursue this type of work after reading the literature and research. • Believe in the benefits of a bio-psycho-social model of healthcare (NHS geared to medical model) • Inspired by visits to Care Farms in England and Scotland • Opportunity to use my healthcare skills and knowledge in an innovative way • Opportunity to shape a new service which helps other people • Use the farm in a different way-diversification with a social benefit • Support of the farmer (my husband) • Could I receive an income from doing this work?

  4. Ballicherry

  5. The Project • Funded by JCP, Highland Employer Coalition and Skills Development Scotland • Outcomes initially focused on health improvement and employability for Incapacity Benefit claimants • 12 week placement on the farm-work habit, routine, structure, team work, confidence building, health benefit • Clients are individually assessed, goals set and evaluated regularly • Clients encouraged and supported to try all types of farm work-builds confidence and learn new skills • Clients are part of the farm team, • The Farmer is boss, coach, instructor and mentor-crucial to success

  6. The ground work –getting a contract • Sell the idea to funders • Business Case-What can you offer that will make a difference? Can you offer value for money? • Organisatonal structure-Limited Company vs Social Enterprise • Set up costs • Running costs • Health and Safety Audit • Insurance • Quality Standards-benchmark the farm against other established Care farms and against funders requirements eg Disclosure checks ,first aid training ,health and safety policy • Evaluation of the service-what outcomes will be measured

  7. Learning along the way • Clear aims of the service • Referral criteria agreed with agencies • Selection of clients who will benefit from participating • Partnership working with JCP and partner agencies • Quality Standards • Learn from other care farmers • Market your service-use the media • Evaluate your service continually and make changes • Look at alternative funding sources

  8. Where are we now? • Second Phase • Looking for longer term funding • Independent evaluation positive • Waiting List of referrals • Positive step to employment for several clients • Roll out the service-get other farmers on board? • Job satisfaction • Farm diversified with added income • Clients learn the links between agriculture and food

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