Impact Objectives

We developed our impact objectives for all of our young people, on the back of the disturbing data that indicates the need for support services like ours.

The number of young people excluded from schools and employment is now at record levels. Young people face a multitude of obstacles to participating fully in education and society. The latest government figures show that in 2022-2023, 790,000 children were suspended and 9,000 children were excluded from school, a 44% increase from the previous year.

In tandem with this increase in school exclusions, the number of young people facing mental health challenges has also increased exponentially. According to NHS England, one in five children and young people in England aged eight to 25 were thought to have a mental health disorder in 2023, a key cause of school absenteeism and exclusion from employment.

A recent study by UCL researchers shows that there was a 65% increase in young people being admitted to general paediatric hospital wards due to mental health problems between 2012 and 2022. These young people are experiencing high levels of distress, which is manifested through behavioural issues such as self-harming, suicidal thoughts and eating disorders. In Suffolk specifically, the number of under-18s receiving NHS mental health support tripled from 2,230 in June 2019 to 6,570 in June 2023.

These young people urgently need help with their mental health struggles to prevent them from becoming a lost generation that fails to fulfil their full potential. Although alternative provisioning services are often available for those excluded from the school system due to issues such as disabilities and special educational needs, they are rarely available for those experiencing mental health challenges, all too often leaving these young people isolated and vulnerable.

As a result, we are committed to meeting the following objectives for our young people:

1. Improving the mental health and well-being of young people aged nine to 25 through a psychoeducational programme in a nurturing farm environment, fostering a sense of calm and a connection to nature.
2. Empowering personal growth and skills development by building confidence and self-esteem in young people suffering from stress and anxiety.
3. Enhancing social connections by providing a safe space for young people to connect with peers and mentors, reducing feelings of isolation.
4. Supporting educational and career pathways through the acquisition of qualifications and encouraging continued learning and engagement.
5. Creating a ripple effect by enabling young people to thrive, supporting their families and reducing the strain on community health resources.