What is a therapy farm?
Therapy farms provide health, social or specialist educational care services for individuals from one or a range of vulnerable groups.
 The farms work with a wide range of clients in a variety of ways. Individuals and groups worked with include young people with autism, young offenders, those recovering from addictions and people with mental health problems, but this is by no means an exhaustive list.
The farms provide anything from therapeutic learning environments to qualifications that can lead on to employment.
 

Where are you based? 

We have a site at Thornton Le Fen. Outreach support at Langrick, Boston, Horncastle and Sleaford.  But can offer outreach with or without our dogs where applicable. 

What activities does your  farm provide?
Curo Lincs Farms provide activities including therapeutic horticulture, animal care, arts and crafts, wood working and supported social groups including dog cafes. We have a person centered approach and will tailor each activity to the participants’ abilities and preferences. 

What makes us unique is that we have a free range farm where the animals will live out their natural lives. Many have been rescued and needed rehabilitation. And now love to help you overcome your anxieties and phobias. We operate on a trust technique so our animals are not forced into working with you. You work towards earning the animals trust. 

We also recycle and reuse as much as possible even our left over shrubbery gets burnt for the chickens dust baths. 

We can teach basic DIY skills, Mindful activities, Crafts and social skills. 

As a client you will direct the pace and what you do. We will work alongside you to help build your confidence. Whether that is poo picking or painting a mural, art therapy or collecting eggs. no pre set agenda. We will help you to build a toolbox of resilience skills and  techniques to use at home. 

Who can come to your farm?
Adults with: anxiety, facing isolation, illness, loneliness, Mental health disabilities, learning disabilities, dementia and additional needs

Children aged 8+ with or without additional needs via parent, EHCP, SEN, Home School or for educational visits. 

What are the benefits for participants attending your  farm?
Proven benefits of therapy farming include:
 

• Improved mental health and well-being
• Improved physical health and movement
• Improved access to the rural countryside, fresh air and the outdoors
• Positive contact and connection with animals
• Positive contact and connection with people
• Learning new skills and achieving goals

Why do you charge for your services?
We are a Community Interest Company. This means that we are a business but all our profits go back into the business for the benefit of those who use our services and the wider community. We have set up the farm using personal finances and loans and to be able to provide a sustainable, high quality service we have to charge.

Do you provide transport?
Yes, we can by prior arrangement and  with an additional charge. 

What do participants need to bring with them when attending the farm?
Personal protective equipment needed. 
 

• Suitable clothing for outdoor work – (protection from wind, rain, sun, mud, wet weather) i.e. waterproof coat and trousers and old clothes you don’t mind getting dirty!
• Suitable footwear for farm and gardening activities (strong and supportive), wellies are ideal. Do bring a pair of indoor shoes too for hygiene and comfort.
• Overalls or cover ups
• Sunhat/sunscreen
• Gardening gloves

Other
 

• Please bring a packed lunch if you are with us all day. Hot and soft drinks and snacks will be available.
• Please bring any other special equipment you may need such as special cutlery, drinking cups etc. that we may not have here on the farm.
• Please bring with you any medication that you need to take whilst at the farm.
• If you need a carer at home, please bring a carer with you to the care farm.

Can I visit the  farm before to see if it right for me or someone I care for?
Of course! We actively encourage providers, commissioners and carers to come and visit our farm. Please contact us first to arrange a mutually convenient time.
We also offer a free taster session for the participant. They will be invited to attend the  farm for a couple of hours to try out some activities, meet the staff and animals and to see if they would like to attend in the future. Please contact us to arrange a mutually convenient time.

If you work for a statutory/voluntary organisation and have a client you would like to refer to our farm
Please contact us to discuss the client’s needs. All participants are required to complete an application form and medical information and emergency contacts form . We will send you these forms to complete with or on behalf of your client. We can then arrange a taster session.

Is your farm accessible?
 It is a farm so there are areas that are uneven. The whole site is fenced and secure. We have both outdoor and indoor areas so that participants can choose activities according to the weather.  Although it’s a fairly small site, there are plenty of ‘quiet’ places and outdoor sensory areas for people who may need some time out. 

How much does it cost?
The cost to attend is £20, half a day (9.30am-12.30pm or 12.30pm-3.30pm) 
The cost to attend all day (9.30am-3.30pm) is £35.

Additional costs for courses, therapy one to one, and counsellling 

Saturday Club is £6 10am to 12 noon

Discounts for groups or siblings available
 

I am interested in volunteering at your care farm
We welcome volunteers! for insurance purposes you need to be over 17 however we do offer family days where you can all get involved. Please contact us for more information 
Please note that all our volunteers will need to have a DBS enhanced check.live