Funding from the Pixel Fund will support the vulnerable children and young people who come to Whirlow Hall Farm Trust. These children and young people are struggling with moderate to severe learning disabilities, physical or mental health or heart breaking personal circumstances such as trauma, bereavement, abuse or neglect.
All those who attend Whirlow are highly anxious and need 1-2-1 or small group support for extended periods of time.
The youngsters take part in activities at Whirlow which focus on wellbeing, physical health and socialisation. Younger children spend time on the farm focusing on animal care, play and forest schools, with an emphasis on developing emotional intelligence and supporting them to develop their communication skills, which can then help them to identify their feelings and any negative behaviours. This helps raise self-esteem and increase engagement with education, which has a positive impact back in school or at home. Older children and young adults focus on vocational skills in animal care and horticulture. They develop life skills and work towards independence, where appropriate, as well developing their motor skills and physical health.
The programmes are known as “Whirlow LIFE” (Learning In a Farming Environment)
We expect to see:
● Notable improvement in a young person’s self-esteem and reduction in anxiety within 12 weeks of their time at Whirlow.
● Improved behaviour and fewer disruptions when the child/young person is back in the mainstream school classroom setting and/or at home
● For our Post 16s, the development of independent living skills will reduce their isolation long term.