Jamie's Farm

By donating product to Jamie’s Farm, O&CC are enabling young people to experience the restorative power of the outdoors and improve their lives.

Mission

Jamie’s Farm acts as a catalyst for change, enabling disadvantaged young people to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

The Jamie’s Farm vision

Every year, 2,000 disadvantaged children are better equipped to thrive in education and see their futures more positively.

A visit to Jamie’s Farm results in:

· Fewer fixed term and permanent exclusions;

· Reengagement with teachers, school and educational life;

· Professional development opportunities for all visiting staff;

· Memories that last a lifetime, and an opportunity to reform patterns of behaviour in school and beyond.

Who they work with:

Social and academic exclusion are serious problems affecting young people in the UK today. When children are not engaging fully with their education it can be difficult for them to see their potential as successful people. Without opportunities to realise what they are capable of, a pathway of underachievement and underemployment can be set very early on. The consequences of this are likely to be felt well into adulthood, with the biggest impact on employability, wellbeing and relationships. At Jamie’s Farm, they offer a unique, preventative solution to empower young people to change course.

How do they do this:

Their powerful formula of Farming, Family and Therapy, delivered via a five-day residential and rigorous follow-up programme, addresses the root causes of exclusion by equipping vulnerable children to thrive during their secondary school years. Working in partnership with schools as we recognise that for impact to be greatest, it’s necessary to empower and support schools in order to make changes last. Specifically, the programme is designed to improve behaviour, boost engagement and improve well-being by building soft-skills such as self-esteem.

Jamie’s Farm are committed to:

· A preventative approach;

· Building long term partnerships with schools and charities that bring children to Jamie’s Farm;

· Giving children a framework of support that will allow the impact of the farm on self-esteem, relationships and behaviour to continue beyond the farm.

The farm environment is homely and cosy, steering away from the institutional set up of school and instead encourages togetherness and an escape from the challenges of normal life. On day one, all mobile phones and electronics are handed in, to ensure there is a real distance from pressures at home. In small groups of 10-12, children live and work on-site, supported by experienced staff who focus activities on positive and tangible outcomes.

A visit to Jamie’s Farm does not end when young people leave. Alongside their core components of farming, family and therapy is a Legacy strand. Through this, they support schools and students when they return, to embed the changes and achieve a greater long-term impact.

How does O&CC help?

O&CC have donated a wide range of outdoor clothing and footwear to ensure the children are warm and dry whatever the weather brings during their visit.

Impact

Pupils who visit Jamie’s Farm are often facing challenging circumstances at home and/or at school. As a result of this, they often display lower than average behaviour, self-esteem and a lack of engagement with education. In 2017/18, prior to visiting, 42% displayed poor behaviour and at least 25% had experienced or were at risk of permanent exclusion. 53% displayed improved behaviour six months after their visit. 58% were no longer at risk of exclusion after six months.

The most significant impact has been on young people’s mental wellbeing, demonstrated through the Shortened Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. This will promote their self-esteem and nurture them to make the most of school and other opportunities in their lives. 63% had improved self-esteem six months after visiting. 89% had a higher mental wellbeing score after visiting.

Visit Jamie's Farm