St Werburghs City Farm Crowdfunder Campaign
Collaborating with like-minded individuals and groups is one of our main passions here at Psylo. So when St Werburghs City Farm reached out to us for support in launching a crowdfunding campaign to keep their activities going, we were thrilled to join. A green oasis at Bristol's heart since 1980, the Farm manages four adjacent sites, a 2-acre smallholding, a 1-acre community garden, a-2.5 acre wildlife woodland, and the surrounding Ashley Vale allotments. Serving, supporting and empowering some of the most disadvantaged communities in the UK, the Farm provides opportunities through education, training and play that address the multiple and complex needs of people facing disadvantage. (Re)connecting people to nature, land and food.
'I feel listened to, supported and understood. It helps me to feel productive, gives me an interest in others and can help me a bit with confidence.' - Participate in the Farm’s services
Aimed at equipping local communities with knowledge, confidence and skills, and providing green spaces accessible to all, the Farm engages over 60,000 people each year by delivering carefully designed programmes that build skills & knowledge and increase well-being and self-esteem. From supported placements for adults with learning disabilities, volunteer opportunities for people experiencing mental ill-health, to outdoor education and play activities for local children and young people, the Farm’s activities enable people to re-connect, learn and grow.
'Coming to the farm rejuvenates my energy and makes me feel more energetic and excited about life. It has given me confidence in my ability to do practical tasks which I completely lacked before doing this, which has expanded my confidence in the other areas of my life too.' - Participate in the Farm’s services
Working with people from all walks of life, St Werburghs City Farm collaborates with schools, anti-slavery and anti-racism organisations, and supports young people, adults, Asylum Seekers and refugee communities, and people with disabilities. Over 2021/22, the Farm welcomed 1,136 project participants, including adults with learning disabilities, adults experiencing mental ill-health or who identify as lonely, and local children and young people targeting those with additional support needs.
'I’ve learned good skills, and it improved my mood a lot every week. I’ve been having an especially bad time with my mental health recently, but having this every Monday has been really helpful, giving me something to look forward to and starting off the week well.' - Participate in the Farm’s services
However, rising costs, increasing need within the community and loss of income due to the pandemic means these vital services are at risk. The funds raised through the Crowdfunder will go towards covering staffing, overheads and project costs to ensure that the Farm can continue to offer:
- Volunteer opportunities for adults facing disadvantages to spend time in nature and get involved in the care and maintenance of the Farm’s sites whilst learning new skills. These sessions help to combat social isolation, increase confidence and support wellbeing. Supported Farming placements for adults with learning disabilities to spend time caring for the Farm animals and growing vegetables in the Community Garden.
- After-school Youth Club, Forrest School, City Farmers Club and half-term camps for local children and young people to explore, play, make friends and learn together
Showing our support for this amazing project and valuable cause, Psylo donated 20 x £50 vouchers as donation rewards for the Crowdfunding campaign. More details are in the links below xXx
➳ Ways You Can Help:
Share the campaign: Help to spread the word! Please share the campaign on social media, through email networks or newsletters to help it reach as many people as possible >>> crowdfunder.co.uk/p/swcityfarm
Donate: Every pledge will help support the vital activities that take place at St Werburghs City Farm >>> crowdfunder.co.uk/p/swcityfarm
