News / Elm Tree Farm
Charity-run farm in Stapleton still needs help in wake of ‘devastating’ burglary
Bosses of a disability charity have thanked the people of Bristol for rallying behind them after thieves ransacked their Stapleton-based farm.
But they are still badly in need of help to replace a number of vital items stolen in the “devastating” raid, including a van which plays an essential role in transporting people to and from the site and taking produce to sell at their well-established stall in St Nick’s Market.
Around 80 people with learning disabilities and autism work at Elm Tree Farm, which is run by Brandon Trust, and the burglary left everyone involved with the charity shocked, sickened and dismayed.
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Brandon Trust chief executive Sue Porto said: “Elm Tree Farm offers vital opportunities for individuals to learn work skills and have a paid job, something which far too few people with a learning disability have access to.
“Coming to the farm also has an invaluable impact on people in terms of enabling them to build confidence and make friends. A crime like this is utterly devastating for everyone who benefits from the work we do here.”
The thieves forced locks open
They stole power and gardening tools, as well as a van
A safe containing money to go towards the charity’s work was stolen
In an open letter to the thieves, she described the distress caused to some of the city’s most vulnerable citizens.
Sue wrote: “The farm is a lifeline for these people and a place of inclusion and belonging, a place where people can learn skills, gain confidence, and earn money through employment.
“You may have thought you were targeting a faceless organisation, but actually if you looked into the eyes of the people we support and our wonderful staff team, who you have hurt so deeply, I hope that you would be appalled by your actions.
“You didn’t just take tools, cash, and equipment; you took away the joy people get every day through the work they do at the farm.
“It’s not too late for you to repair the damage you have caused. You can return the items you have stolen, our van, and the significant amount of cash.”
The thieves stole power tools, garden tools and lawnmowers, as well as money raised from selling Christmas trees and logs in the raid on the weekend of December 7 – 8.
While the charity has received a number of offers of help from across Bristol, it still needs more to return to a normal level of service.
Elm Tree Farm is an invaluable lifeline for some of Bristol’s most vulnerable people
Sue told Bristol24/7: “We’ve had a great response from people in Bristol, with offers of equipment, tools and practical help such as security, as well as donations and well wishes, so thanks to everyone.
“However, we still need help, particularly to replace our van that was stolen, which is vital for transporting the people we support to and from the farm as well as taking our produce to Bristol Farmers’ Market at St Nick’s, where we’ve had a stall for over 20 years.”
Elm Tree Farm still needs help to get back on its feet
To get in touch with offers of help, email info@brandontrust.org or donate directly via www.elmtreefarm.org/get-involved/donate/.
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