Staffordshire Care Farming Development

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.

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Our work in suicide prevention

Julie White and Nick Platt founded the WELLIES Project to promote health and well-being through gentle exercise, fresh air, social connection, and informal learning—an approach that’s simple yet highly effective.

Based on the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border, the project operates from the Old Village Stores, which houses the office and creative classroom, while outdoor activities, including those at the Wood Shed, catering kitchen, and raised beds, are held at a nearby redundant chapel.

The project ensures safety and support by signposting to suicide prevention organisations, displaying emergency contact numbers, and employing tutors trained in safeguarding.

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Our current priorities

Delivering therapeutic learning opportunities and tackling loneliness.

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Our work in suicide prevention

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

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