CLA donation to help North Yorkshire community farm develop new agriculture programme for young adults with complex needs

Prompted by the needs of their severely disabled son, James, the farm was set up by Paul and Julie Connaughton in 2017.

Mr Connaughton said they were “over the moon” with the donation of £4,920 which will go towards putting a farm-based education, employment and independent living programme in place.

“It is our intention to create an enclosure for animals including pigs, goats, chickens and guinea pigs with at least 40 young adults helping us in the endeavour from construction to the end running of the farm. This will include looking after the animals, facilities and land.

“Not only will our ‘care farm’ be benefiting adults with disabilities but also the wider public who will be able to visit the farm.”

The farm’s patron, Yorkshire Vet Julian Norton described the farm as an “amazing venture” and said he was looking forward to seeing the project develop.

CLA Director North Dorothy Fairburn said: “I am delighted the Trust has been able to support JPC Community Farm with funding. They do so much good work in their local communities, and it’s very pleasing to think the grant will help them achieve even more.”