News / St Werburgh's City Farm
St Werburgh’s City Farm crowdfunding to continue community services
A family of goats wandered through the field behind St Werburgh’s City Farm co-director Kari Halford on Monday morning as she chatted to a frequent visitor to the farm over a cup of coffee.
It was the first day of the farm’s new crowdfunder campaign to support its community services.
The goats and other animals may be what most visitors know about this most special of places, but the charity also supports placements for adults with learning disabilities, provides volunteer opportunities for people experiencing mental ill-health, and enables local children and young people to enjoy outdoor education and play activities.
is needed now More than ever
In their own words, the farm’s activities “enable people to reconnect, learn and grow”.
And it is these vital services that are under threat due to rising costs, increasing need within the community and loss of income due to the pandemic.
“If we don’t secure the money to secure these services over the winter, then they are at risk of not running,” says Kari, who has worked at St Werburgh’s City Farm since joining from Swansea Community Farm in 2011.
“They are the most important things for people who are really struggling right now.
“The farm itself will remain open to the public – the play spaces, the community garden, the cafe – they just keep ticking along. But it’s the services that are at risk and they are the most important thing.”
There are some people who only leave their homes when going to the doctors or going to their engagement sessions at the farm.
Kari calls this crowdfunder a “bridge” which will help the farm’s cashflow until spring 2023 when other income-generating services such as a new online course, weddings and events restart.
St Werburgh’s City Farm’s activities enable people to reconnect, learn and grow – photo: St Werburgh’s City Farm
“There is a lot of goodwill because people love the farm,” Kari adds.
“We’ve been here for over 40 years and we have supported, enabled and uplifted so many people – who still live within walking distance – at various different stages of their lives or their children’s lives or their family’s lives.
“A lot of people have got a personal connection to the farm. It’s just being really mindful that a lot of other people are utterly petrified about the winter and don’t know what’s going to happen about their own personal income.
“So our appeal is, if you can, please donate. And if you can’t donate, then please share it.”
The crowdfunder hopes to raise £30,000 by the end of October. The funds raised will go towards covering staffing, overheads and project costs.
To support the farm’s campaign, donate via www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/swcityfarm
Main photo: St Werburgh’s City Farm
Read more:
- St Werburgh’s City Farm opens its green spaces to the public for free
- Sustainable farming in the heart of St Werburgh’s
- 19 things to do in Bristol this week, September 26-October 2 2022
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