Fairfield Farm College is a registered charity delivering education and training to young people with learning difficulties and disabilities to prepare them for living and working.
This year, the Hope Nature Centre in Southwick, Trowbridge, joined the charity, offering training and work opportunities to adults with learning difficulties.
The college reports, “A new academic year welcomed 85 students to the college, we also expanded our ‘steps to independence’ programme with 20 residents as well as regular users that access the respite and short-breaks in the college houses. A further 30 adults access training at Hope Nature Centre, with students that are aspiring to be work-ready, using the centre to complete their training.
“The farm shop and café at the college in Dilton Marsh and the café and animal park at Hope Nature Centre offer students opportunities to work closely with the community. Facilities such as the 3G football pitch and conference venue also offer students the opportunity to work with the community. Approval for an indoor sports and riding facility will offer another fantastic community facility and is the focus of our fundraising.
“Life is very busy for a Fairfield student; they were the opening act, as vampires at the Bath Dance Festival; they were nominated for four awards at the Westbury Youth Awards and came home with two trophies for Young Achiever and Student Council; sporting students won the WASP Panathlon; enterprise students were shortlisted for an art exhibition at Black Swan in Frome; and we even climbed to the summit of Mount Snowdon, where the students left staff behind as they raced to the top, raising £1,500.
“Students support a range of events including working in the Elizabeth Collins Garden Project in Warminster Park, and community support for residents at Westbury Court Care Home. They also provided support at support inclusion events such as the Rainbow Shower, Santa Dash and Stepped into Sport, which brings children from special schools across the county together for sporting fun.
“We held our first Country Fayre and Family Fun Day in June and the Horse and Dog Show in September, which raised funds for the indoor arena. Students also hosted a Christmas Market on 7th December which was opened by the Mayor of Warminster. He has chosen us for his charity of the year and we look forward to working with him.
“Thank you to those that continue to support us, Fairfield is a very special charity with a long history.”
To get involved or support the charity, please contact Debbie Hughes, charity fundraising manager on 01373 823028 or email: debbie.hughes@ffc.ac.uk
