Staffordshire Care Farming Development CIC – WELLIES Project

Staffordshire Care Farming Development CIC run the WELLIES Project. Providing therapeutic activities with animals, plants, creativity and the countryside for people recovering from mental ill health. WELLIES stands for Wellness, Education, Learning, Laughter, Inspiration, Environment, Skills. It is based on the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border and has been running for 10 years.

Julie White and Nick Platt founded the Project after realising that the effects of gentle exercise, fresh air, meeting people, making friends, fun and informal learning have a positive impact on people’s health and well-being. It’s very simple, but really works.

WELLIES is based on the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border running the office and creative classroom from the Old Village Stores whilst the Wood Shed, catering kitchen, raised beds and all outside activities take place at a redundant chapel nearby.

How does your organisation contribute to preventing suicide and supporting those affected by it?

Signposting to professional organisations, display all emergency numbers, all tutors are safeguard trained.

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What are your current priorities?

Delivering therapeutic learning opportunities and tackling loneliness.

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What challenges are you currently facing?

Demand on services – every course currently has a waiting list.

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