National Lottery Grant Funds Farm Visits for Students
A grant from the National Lottery has funded farm visits to Solidarity Farm for our students!
We are pleased to announce that we have secured a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund of nearly £10,000 in order to fund a horticultural project that will see skills learned within the Foundation and at Solidarity Farm in Northumberland.
About the Project
The project helps young people with complex disabilities connect with care for nature by providing regular, inclusive access to a local community farm. Through hands on, sensory activities such as planting, growing food and observing seasonal change, participants develop a connection with the natural environment in the Northumbrian Hills.
A group of our learners from Northern Counties School in Jesmond, and Percy Hedley School in Killingworth, venture up to Solidarity Farm, carrying out multiple tasks such as feeding the animals, planting and more. The horticulture activities continue in school, reinforcing learning and ongoing engagement with nature, ensuring lasting environmental awareness and impact.
We have developed this project in collaboration with our community of young people, families, staff and local partners. We have learnt that young people with complex disabilities have limited access to outdoor learning and nature based activities, and would benefit from more inclusive, hands-on environmental experiences.
Staff from Percy Hedley schools and the community farm have worked together to shape the programme, ensuring activities are accessible, meaningful and aligned with learners’ needs. Families have highlighted the importance of building confidence outdoors and developing practical life skills.
(Above: Our learner’s enjoying activities around Solidarity Farm include tractor rides).
About Solidarity Farm
Solidarity Farm is located on the edge of the Northumberland National Park.
The farm recognises that a mainstream school setting may not be suitable for everyone. Some learn better with their hands having practical experience rather than in a sit down, testing environment. They support children and young people who visit the farm to learn through doing, which helps them develop life skills.
Solidarity Farm has a pedigree herd of Luing cattle and a flock of sheep, creating an environment where those who may struggle with more formal approaches to education can experience community and belonging.
Thank you to the grant from the National Lottery Community Fund which has funded these trips, equipment and more for our learners during this project!