The inspiring work of Oldbury Cottage Care Farm in Nuneaton motivated Severn Trent employees to volunteer their time and forge a strong relationship with the good cause over the past three years.

Back in December 2020, the farm was awarded a grant £27,068 to enable them to open the gates to provide farm based and environmental activities for people with learning disabilities and dementia. 

After hearing the farm’s story and what it wanted to achieve for the local community, the Technology and Transformation Project Management Office (PMO) team from the water company have been using volunteering days to do their bit and help in any way they can.

Three years later the team are regularly returning to dedicate their time and support everyone at the farm anyway they can.

Jackie Landford from the Technology and Transformation PMO team at Severn Trent, said: “Not only is Oldbury Cottage Care Farm a fun day out and the team are so welcoming, but when we offer our support, you can see the difference you are making and its very tangible over time.

“You get to see the fruits of your labour and can directly see the benefits it will make to the local community and for everyone that comes along to the farm.”

The farm was the inspiration of Jonathan Smith who had a dream to start it for two reasons, because of personal experience with dementia and when other clubs and facilities for people with learning disabilities were closed due to a lack of funding.

Its aim is to provide a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for vulnerable people and give them the opportunity to take part in the daily activities on the farm. This includes care of the animals, growing vegetables and fruit, farm maintenance, preparation and cooking of food, crafts, working as part of a team and learning new skills. 

Those who attend sessions at the farm range from 13 right through to 73 years old. The team also engage with the local community with youngsters as young as four visiting the site and all the way up to 90 years old.

Jonathan Smith from Oldbury Cottage Care Farm, said: “We absolutely love working parties contributing to the development of our farm, it's wonderful to welcome people who are willing to support us especially when they understand the importance of their valuable work and the people it benefits. Severn Trent have been amazing with their team efforts and continued support. They arrive with a positive attitude and leave slightly broken! Thank you to everyone who has supported us.”

Sue Heyes, Severn Trent Community Fund Officer, added: “The work that Jonathan and the team at Oldbury Cottage Care Farm do is wonderful and we were so pleased to be able to support them with their grant.

“But what is great is the fact that the PMO team have continued the Severn Trent connection and support by carrying out volunteering days at the farm. Long may it continue, and we can watch them grow, thrive and develop even more.”

For more information on the Severn Trent Community Fund and to find out how to make an application visit www.stwater.co.uk/communityfund.

Further details about Oldbury Cottage Care Farm can be found at www.occf.org.uk.