Planting seeds to grow a community
We paid a visit to Lawrence Weston Community Farm to capture the impact that a small charity can have, given the right tools and support.
It is proven that staying active, taking up new skills, and feeling connected to your community, are key for wellbeing.
That is what Lawrence Weston Community Farm wants its volunteers, many who have mental health issues or who feel isolated, to experience.
Based just outside of Bristol city centre, in an isolated area of the city where many local residents experience multiple deprivation, the farm works to provide a supportive environment where people from all walks of life can contribute to their community, gain accredited training, participate in social activities and groups and benefit from the therapeutic value of looking after animals and growing produce.
The charity has only three full-time members of staff, so relies heavily on the availability of its volunteers.
But despite its small size, the work at LWCF is far-reaching, ranging from young children, to corporate employees, adult placements, volunteers and pensioners; all who get stuck in and learn a range of skills, including looking after pigs, sheep, goats, ducks and chickens.