Health / Elm Tree Farm
Growing people and produce
Hidden away on a peaceful 47-acre site in Stapleton is Elm Tree Farm, a working farm which provides valuable vocational experience and training for adults with learning disabilities and autism.
They currently have around 75 employees who help to cultivate plants, grow fruit and vegetables and look after the wide range of animals and livestock that call the site home, including cows, sheep, pigs, ponies and poultry.
The farm has around 75 employees, many of whom who have learning disabilities
Since 2000, Elm Tree Farm has been a part of the Brandon Trust, a charity dedicated to supporting children and young adults with learning needs. According to new research, out of the approximate 1.5 million people living in the UK with learning disabilities, only seven per cent have jobs, which is something the Brandon Trust is actively trying to change.
is needed now More than ever
Gaby Oliva, project leader at the farm, stressed how important it is that employees develop their confidence. “It’s all about promoting their work in positive ways,” she says.
Gaby also mentioned the holiday clubs that the farm runs in the summer for young people: “The kids are able to learn all sorts of new skills and have fun while they’re doing it. The outdoor activities they are involved in not only help their mobility, but are beneficial to their mental health too.”
The Elm Tree Farm shop sells homegrown produce and is looking to set up a cafe open to the public
As well as providing children and adults with bountiful opportunities, Elm Tree Farm is also striving to achieve more of a presence within the community. They already have a farm shop on site where they sell their produce, but are looking to expand further by adding a cafe and animal pens that would open the farm up to the public and showcase the animal care work that goes on.
Both ideas would provide important experience to the employees while also allowing Elm Tree to promote the work that they do.
The idyllic 47-acre site in Stapleton has been a part of the Brandon Trust since 2000
“People living with learning disabilities have historically been isolated, and with Elm Tree Farm we have created a safe, supportive space where they have the freedom to be regular employees,” Gaby says.
Wandering around the farm, the atmosphere is one of real calm. It is easy to see that the employees, volunteers and leaders are passionate about everything that they do because of their positive and encouraging attitudes in all the jobs they undertake. It’s important work, and happily seems to be helping people to grow just as well as the produce.
Find out more about the work of the Brandon Trust at www.brandontrust.org
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