Care farming has been very successful in recovery from anxiety and depression.  It is an overtly practical approach and various theories suggest a sophisticated and subtle web of social, mental, and physical interactions providing a potentially potent complex intervention.

Below, recovery concepts are combined with those from other social and ecological theories to help explain the potential effectiveness of care farms for those with mental ill health.

•    Being socially connected    Working on the farm provides a non-threatening opportunity for social interaction. The focus on the work of the farm means that connections with others are not the focus of the activity, but rather a by-product. For those suffering from mental ill health this can take the pressure off social interactions. The attention is no longer solely on the individual but instead on working together on the task at hand. Where these tasks involve giving attention to the needs of animals and plants there is the opportunity to regain the ability to care and consider others, a vital function for healthy human relationships. Furthermore, interaction with animals is already established as a mechanism for reducing stress and anxiety.

•    Personal growth    It allows the opportunity to build skills and, importantly, gain the self-efficacy that comes from learning and implementing these skills. Gaining such skills can bring a sense of hopefulness so vital to mental health recovery and a stepping stone to returning to work.

•    Physical activity    The links with physical activity and mental health are well established. Working on a care farm provides ample opportunity for physical activity. It has the advantage that it is not undertaken purely for the purpose of doing something physical, but instead is performed, almost unconsciously, as part of ordinary farm activities. Feeling physically tired at the end of the day is frequently highlighted by those attending care farms as a positive aspect, providing a sense of achievement and helping them to sleep.

•    Restorative effects of nature     The fact that this physical activity can be done in nature adds to its effectiveness, reducing feelings of stress and leading to a sense of calm. Care farms offer this opportunity to be in nature and they go further, as those on the farm have to get their hands dirty and work with nature. Theories of mental health and recovery frequently identify the concept of being able to rest and restore attention. Care farms provide this opportunity to engage in an activity, whether it is planting vegetables or tending to livestock, which requires concentration and attention but does not require intense thought. This process of non-taxing engagement allows the mind to relax, reducing the constant bombardment of worries and concerns that are such a feature of mental ill health. Working with nature in this way provides the mental space needed to regain the ability to focus attention on more taxing tasks.

Due to a grants, we are generally able to run these sessions free to the participants.  The sessions take place one day per week and run from 10 am until 3pm and the funding covers between six and twelve weeks attendance.

Activities will include animal care, growing and harvesting vegetables and craft (when the weather is not so kind!).

Please download the referral form below and send a copy to us at enquiries@thesunflowercommunitycarefarm.org.uk, or call me on 07850 953351 for more information.