A care farm near Worcester, Longlands, has been awarded a substantial grant of £279,000 from the National Lottery to enhance its mental health support services for teenagers. This funding will support the farm’s initiatives over the next five years.
Founded in 2010, Longlands has been providing alternative education and mental health support for teenagers facing difficulties in traditional classroom settings. Each week, the farm engages 30 young people in learning practical skills and working with animals.
The grant will facilitate the hiring of two specialist mental health practitioners who will work one-on-one with up to 15 students per week. Additionally, the funding will enable the implementation of therapeutic interventions, further staff training, and the creation of a second ‘break out’ space for individual sessions.
Julia Evans, founder and CEO of Longlands, expressed her enthusiasm about the grant. “More than half of our referrals benefit from mental health intervention,” Evans said. “When we address the underlying issues behind behavioral problems, we witness significant improvements in their behavior and quality of life. This grant is a tremendous boost for us.”
Mark Molloy, chair of the Longlands board, highlighted the importance of the grant: “We are thrilled to receive this five-year grant. It not only acknowledges the high quality of our work but also reflects confidence in Longlands’ future and the expertise being developed within our service.”
Parents and educational professionals have praised Longlands for its impact. One parent noted, “Longlands really has changed my son’s life. Knowing he was in a safe environment with people who understood his needs was immensely comforting. The impact on these young people and their families is profound.”
Richard Rainbird-Hitchins, assistant headteacher at Aspire Academy, added, “Longlands Farm has been transformative for our pupils. Engaging with animals and hands-on learning outside the classroom provides them with a sense of purpose and achievement that supports their mental health and overall wellbeing.”
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