Rhubarb Recovery

​

Rhubarb Farm's Recovery Lead, Ben Sofield, started at Rhubarb Farm as a volunteer after struggling with substance misuse. Coming from a lived experience point of view he likes to work with small groups so they can have plenty of time to natter, build confidence and learn new skills.

​

Rhubarb Farm calls everyone who attends the farm a “volunteer” to recognise their worth.

​

Throughout our Drug & Alcohol project you will be supported by Recovery Lead, Ben, and our Mental health trained support workers. Volunteers will have the opportunity to do many different and varied roles and hopefully pick up some new hobbies and interests along the way.

​

Our focus is Horticulture, so this can include seed sowing, planting, mowing/strimming. We are a fully working Farm and send our organic fruit and vegetables to our Food Pantry.

​

We are home to over 100 chickens, a grumpy donkey, pigs and a lovely Shetland pony. The volunteers all can participate in animal care activities.

​

The Farm holds community events throughout the year such as Pumpkin picking, Farmer for a day & posy workshop which the volunteers are welcome to help with or attend.

​

During the winter months when there is not much farm work, so during this time we provide countless training opportunities. All training courses usually fall into one of 6 focus areas – Horticulture, Animal Care, Personal Development, Accredited, Awareness Sessions, and Arts & Craft Workshops. If you volunteer at Rhubarb Farm you are welcome to access all these training courses for free.

​

Volunteering hours are 9.30 – 15.00 with 15 minutes at entry for settling in, a 15-minute break at 10.30 and half an hour lunch at 12.30.

​

The 12-week program includes:

​​

• Therapeutic Horticulture in an easy going, understandable workplace environment

• Animal Care activities

• Unique and Bespoke workshops

• Training opportunities

• Help find work/ other opportunities with our Progression Worker

• A sense of belonging in a safe place with likeminded people and an opportunity to work with people from different backgrounds

• An option to stay at the farm once the 12 weeks has ended.

 

The program does NOT include:

​

• Preachy nonsense

 

Rhubarb Farm does not provide a course on how/why to stop drink/drugs, we can refer you to other organisations for this.

​

If you or know anyone who is interested please email ben@rhubarbfarm.co.uk with a name and phone number or ring 01623 741210.

​

​

“Rhubarb Farm is a hidden oasis in the middle of nowhere that provides a tranquil approach to farming from a sustainable point of view. Ben, who heads up the recovery programme is friendly and approachable in his guidance and gives you the freedom to choose what you want to do to help both yourself and the farm. I find working with the animals very therapeutic and calming whilst others like to potter in the fields planting or fertilising. Because I have my own transport, Ben allows me to come and go as I please but there is transport available to you for those that cannot drive. Everyone is very friendly; however, Ben is excellent in his calming approach to aid in your recovery. His support and enthusiasm for what he does shines out from him. I would recommend Rhubarb Farm to anyone wanting to immerse themselves in nature in a supportive and friendly environment.” - SB 25/06/24

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​