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Wick Care Farm
95% of clients 'agree' or 'strongly agree' that attending Wick Care Farm improves their mental health & wellbeing.
Liz's Story
Before coming to Wick Care Farm, I was at another care farm, but things had changed and I often felt quite on my own. I wanted to try different activities, like gardening and cooking, and I was also hoping to meet new people and build my confidence.
When I first started at Wick Care Farm, I felt nervous, but everyone was friendly and welcoming and I settled in quickly. The relaxed atmosphere, hands-on activities, and the support I received really helped me feel comfortable and confident.
I especially enjoyed working with the animals, particularly the sheep, and learning more about gardening. I went from knowing very little to wanting to grow things at home myself, like tomatoes. I also loved cooking for other people—it made me happy knowing others enjoyed what I had made, and I learnt new skills like teamwork, timing, and cooking savoury dishes. Being at Wick Care Farm has helped me grow in confidence and independence. I feel much more comfortable talking to different people and working as part of a team. I’ve developed practical skills I can take into voluntary work, especially supporting and encouraging others and taking responsibility.
During the time that I was here, I also
manage to pass my driving test, and that really helped me feel more independent. I’ve made new friends and truly feel part of the community. I hope to stay in touch when I move on, come back for events, and visit—especially to see the lambs when they’re born.
Amy's story...
“Before coming to Wick Care Farm, my world was very isolated. I wasn’t attending school, had very limited social interaction, and felt completely lost about what I wanted to do with my life. I’d had a rough time in school.
When I first came to the farm, I was incredibly nervous – so much so that my mum had to stay in the car and I could only manage half a day. But it didn’t take long for that to change. Within a few visits, I started to feel comfortable, and I quickly realised how different this place was.
What made the biggest difference was the genuine connection with the staff. Everyone took the time to really get to know me – my interests, the nuances of my personality, and who I am as a person. I had been quite defensive and closed off before, partly because I look and dress a bit differently, but here I was accepted without question and now that feeling has all gone.
Attending the farm became my re-introduction to the world. It helped me build my social skills, learn how to have conversations with people my own age and with adults, and gain confidence. It allowed me to more open to things that were not really my skill set; I even enjoyed tennis which I would never have considered before. The key was knowing I was supported and never judged – it genuinely doesn’t matter if you get something wrong here, and that gives you the freedom to try all sorts of different things.
After finishing school, continuing at Wick Care Farm as an adult was incredibly important for me. It gave me stability during the transition into college – a constant, a routine, and a place where I could relax and feel normal. Although moving from a young people’s day to an adult day was a big change, it soon felt right. Being around people with different needs and life experiences has helped me develop empathy and taught me how to communicate with all kinds of people.
I’ve loved getting involved in a wide range of activities from caring for the animals to cooking and crafting. I particularly liked getting stuck into the more “gnarly jobs” like vaccinations, shearing, and ear tagging, which gave me insight into farming that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. On days when my energy is low, cooking has been a real comfort and something I feel confident doing. Serving food to others has been interesting too.
Now, as I prepare to move on to university, I can see just how much I’ve gained from my time here. I’m more confident, more resilient, and far more motivated. I’ve learned how to adapt the way I communicate, look people in the eye, support others through challenging moments, and build the endurance to turn up, engage, and keep going.
This place has been so important to me, and I will always be grateful for my time here. Wick Care Farm helped me find myself again, and I’ll come back.”
