Schoolchildren from deprived areas in Plymouth are being given the opportunity to experience rural life on the farm, thanks to the work of a UK charity.
Farms for City Children is a charity that enables children from underserved communities to experience the adventure of working and learning together on farms in the heart of the countryside.
Providing opportunities for children to experience the natural world can help to boost both their mental and physical wellbeing.
The children benefiting from the charity’s work get to stay at the farm for a week to learn what farm life is like, developing skills such as communication, self-discipline, collaboration, reasoning and observation skills. Farms for City Children believe that access to nature, food, and farming should be an experience enjoyed by all.
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Plymouth is in the top 30 per cent of the most deprived areas in England and, thanks to the support of South West Water’s Neighbourhood Fund, Farms for City Children has been able to provide a free week-long experience for 35 primary schoolchildren from the area.
A spokesperson for Farms for City Children said:
“We want to say a huge thanks to South West Water and its Neighbourhood Fund for supporting our mission and enabling 35 children, aged between 10 and 11, to experience farm life.”
“The children had opportunities to take on meaningful responsibilities and overcome fears, they gained lasting confidence and resilience from the progress they made as they became increasingly skilled farmers.”
Dani Twelvetree, head of customer communication and engagement at South West Water, said:
“We are always looking for new and innovative projects and ways to enrich the lives of people within our community. We’re proud to help Farms for City Children in their mission.”
Since launching in 2021, South West Water’s Neighbourhood Fund has provided support to community groups, initiatives and charities that work to improve the lives of residents in Devon, Cornwall and Dorset by inspiring physical activities, enhancing education and health and wellbeing, and delivering positive environmental outcomes.
To learn more about the work of Farms for City Children, visit www.farmsforcitychildren.org
