Offering alternative provision day placements to our young people across a 12-week term, we provide a safe space for every individual to understand themselves and the world around them a little better, gaining the tools needed to manage anxiety, stress and depression.
We find many of our participants stay with us for a period of two terms. Although ultimately our aim is that participants build the confidence to fly the nest and return to education or employment, we maintain contact, and no one in need of ongoing support is ever turned away.
Working on our 12-week psychoeducational programme, participants not only improve their confidence and capabilities but they also gain insights into potential career paths and develop transferable skills that improve their employability. Participants can acquire AQA (formerly the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance) certificates that recognise their achievements in subjects such as cooking and land management, providing a tangible opening for further education and employment opportunities. We will soon also become a Duke of Edinburgh awards centre.
Our young people are also heavily involved in all aspects of running the farm. As a growing body of research shows, actively connecting with nature has a powerful restorative effect, leading to significant mental health benefits, including reduced depression and anxiety and improved concentration.
We encourage previous participants to return to The Nest to assist with mentoring and outreach activities, continuing to build their self-confidence whilst simultaneously aiding new members of the programme.