Solihull farm helps learning disabled adults find work
"The farm showed me there was light in the world and not just darkness."Moving out and living alone for the first time is a big deal for most 24-year-olds, but it was a huge step for Anna Botting.She has learning disabilities and has been working with Newlands Bishop Farm.The Solihull-based holding helps young adults like her learn skills and gain employment, both on the farm and in the local community.
This idyllic farm is open to the public on weekends and you can even get married there. But it's a seven-day operation changing the lives of adults who are locked out of work, according to bosses.
Not only have they helped Ms Botting gain skills, they have helped her get into a supported living scheme in nearby Hampton-in-Arden. She said it allowed her to experience true independence for the first time."When I was in school I really struggled with work and friendships, so when I found the farm I felt like I belonged here," she explained.
The same is true of Andrea Long, who has been attending the farm for three years. She has gained work experience at local charities and businesses like the PDSA and Hilton."Through most of my life I found it hard to find somewhere I fit in," the 23-year-old said."I feel empowered to do a lot of things I would have struggled with in the past. I feel treated like an adult."
The farm is run by the Family Care Trust charity, which is celebrating its 30th year. It hires 18 adults with learning disabilities at the farm, and helps others get work at nearby businesses in the borough. Chief executive Daniel Adams said some found themselves overlooked, despite having a valuable contribution to make.
"It can be easier to put in physical things in buildings like lifts for people in wheelchairs, for example," Mr Adams said. "It's more of a challenge coming up with processes to help adults with learning disabilities be engaged in the world of work and find jobs in the community. "Our goal is to give people the skills so they can move on to employment."
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