Farm News: Bath City Farm has received a third of a million pounds from the National Lottery Community Fund to be awarded over three years.
The cash is for the farm’s Roots to Work programme that gives adults over 18 years old who are long term unemployed, have a mental health concern or a learning disability a programme of work experience and training to give them a chance of gaining a job.
It began as a pilot programme in July 2022 and grew in popularity, reaching out to people who had been socially isolated by the pandemic. The programme aims to develop people’s skills and confidence in catering, hospitality, retail, ground maintenance, wildlife conservation or horticulture.
Trainees work alongside staff once a week for up to 6 months in either the cafe, community kitchen, Farm gardens or grounds. During the placement, trainees gain real on the job experience, learn new skills and earn AQA Awards to prove their abilities.
During the first 9 months pilot period Bath City Farm saw 54 people through the Roots to Work programme, 24% of those successfully gained employment, 33% progressed onto a volunteering role, 15% went on to education and 28% continued on the programme until a suitable progression was found. Since then a total of 81 trainees will have entered the programme with several new enquiries each week.
For more information contact Amy Nelson on amy@bathcityfarm.org.uk
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