Contact the team

Family Information Service - fis@reading.gov.uk

SEND Local Offer - localoffer@reading.gov.uk

Adult Carers Advice & Support - dos@reading.gov.uk

FarmBuddies

FarmBuddies, a Not For Profit Social Enterprise, acts as a Community Connector arranging for accompanied individuals or small groups with any additional need, aged 9-90, to visit a farm in their local area one day a week to do a variety of regular farm jobs including animal care, according to age, choice and ability, all with farmer supervision; the diagnosis is left at the gate!

Social Farming

Social Farming, also known as Care Farming, has expanded significantly in the UK since 2005 as well as in Western Europe.

The participants, benefiting from weekly farm visits, are a cross-section of the population from young children to the elderly. The main categories are those with Autism, learning disabilities, mental health issues and school difficulties. We have initiated 2000+ Individual Day Places.

Parent " I have already seen such an improvement in his confidence it is staggering"

Who to contact

Contact Name: Stephen Sellers
Contact Position: Manager
Telephone: 01420 538793
07596 077261
E-mail: stephen@farmbuddies.org.uk
Website: http://www.farmbuddies.org.uk

Where to go

Name: Administration Office only
Address: Treetops
Longmoor Road
Greatham
Liss
Hampshire
Postcode: GU33 6AW
Notes: Farms are introduced up to a maximum 45 minutes travel from a particpant's home address.

Time / Date Details

When is it on: Mon - Fri, limited on Sat
Time of day: Morning
Afternoon
Session Information: 10am - 3pm or as agreed

Other Details

Costs

Is there a charge for using this service?

Yes

Table of costs

Table of costs
Amount	Cost Type
£60+vat if applicable	Per Day

Details

The cost varies between farms and is payable direct to the farmer if visits start; the charge will be inclusive of light refreshments and any VAT. Lunches maybe extra by arrangement. Limited subsidised places.

Availability

Age Ranges: 9 to 90 years
Referral required: No
Referral Details: Parents & others can self-refer with outline information to FarmBuddies. Once an introductory farm visit has been made by FarmBuddies, the parent deals direct with the farm on all matters going forward.
Other notes: Anyone with a mild or moderate additional need, who can be accompanied during the farm visit can apply. Farms are located across Berkshire and neighbouring counties.

Local Offer

Contact Name: Stephen Sellers
Contact Telephone: 07596 077261
Contact Email: stephen@farmbuddies.org.uk
Local Offer Age Bands: Transitions to Adulthood (16+)
Secondary (11-16 years)

General Provider Response

Is your service accessible?: Some farms have wheelchair access
What are the eligibility criteria for your service?: Persons with any mild or moderate additional need, who can be accompanied.
How are referrals/applications made to your service?: Initial interest is advised to FarmBuddies, who then check for spare capacity at farms within a maximum 45 minutes travel time from the participant's current residence.
What is your service standard for responding to referrals/accessing services?: FarmBuddies aims to respond to all initial enquiries with 48 hours.
Funding: Self Funded
Charges: Yes
Details of charges: The FarmBuddies service is actually free but the farmer makes a charge for his time, usually between £50-60 per person/day dependent on numbers in the group,includes light refreshments and plus any VAT. Lunch maybe extra at cost. Individuals can be funded by Local Authorities or privately.
Inspection outcomes/quality awards: Outcomes prepared by Commissioners are available and feedback quotes are on FarmBuddies website.
Feedback and complaints procedure: We welcome all feedback positive or negative and undertake to ensure as far as possible prompt action is taken.
How will I know my child will be safe using this service?: Service user managers, parents, carers or the individuals will need to satisfy themselves by inspection prior to commencement that the farm's Policies, Risk Assessments, DBS clearance, Insurance cover and any other important matters are up to their individually required standard.

Ratings

Sign in to rate this service

This information has been collected from third party providers therefore the Reading Services Guide, Reading Borough Council (RBC) and Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of this information and recommends that parents, carers, young people, residents and professionals check with providers regarding DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) and OFSTED registrations and CQC registrations. Information collected by Reading Service Guide; is used solely to implement and supply the Family Information Service (FIS), Special Educational Needs & Disabilities - Reading's Local Offer, Adults & Carers Support Group and Reading Youth.