Care In The Community
Published: Monday 5th Aug 2019
Written by: Aimee Anderson
Here at Suffolk Cottage Holidays we are passionate about the local areas and communities that surround our luxury self-catering holiday cottages.
We like to support local charities and organisations and have chosen Depden Care Farm near Bury St Edmunds as our chosen charity for 2019, where one of our owners, Peter Turner, volunteers. Peter has kindly agreed to write a blog post to explain more about the charity and what they do:
"I have been invited to write a few words regarding a charity where I have spent the last two years working as a volunteer.
Depden Care Farm was opened in 2015 by the Millennium Farm Trust (established in 1996) to provide adults with additional needs the opportunity to learn skills in construction, agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry.
The farm operates a smallholding of 6 acres just outside Bury St Edmunds, the mission of the farm being to provide learning and work opportunities for those with mental health problems, learning disabilities, or acquired brain injury in a safe and supportive environment.
On the site we have a variety of animals including goats, sheep, pigs, donkeys, horses and lots of chickens, along with Arthur the farm dog. We grow vegetables and fruit, both outside and in poly tunnels, and sell this produce from our Veg Shed by the road. The farm employs five full time staff, supported by 38 part time volunteers who assist the staff with the farm operations. The charity helps up to 10 people a day, with over 1700 user day sessions a year, with the aim of encouraging those attending to improve their confidence and social skills to reach their maximum potential.
I have found it a truly inspiring place, with a very supportive and caring attitude from all the staff and volunteers towards our Farm Helpers, as we call the attendees. As with all such organisations finance is always in the spotlight, and I was delighted, when after discussions with Suffolk Cottage Holidays, they kindly agreed to make a donation to support the work at the farm.
The website offers more information on our activities - www.depden.com If anyone reading this feels inclined to offer some financial support by way of a donation we would be delighted to hear from them either directly or through Suffolk Cottage Holidays."
