Eleven team members from Denbury Homes recently swapped the office for the outdoors as they spent a day volunteering at Red Rose Community Farm in Suffolk.
Established by The Befriending Scheme, Red Rose Community Farm provides a safe and supportive outdoor learning environment for people with learning disabilities and special educational needs, as well as those struggling with poor mental health.
Located 20 miles from Denbury Homes’ head office, Red Rose Farm opened in March 2023 and gives those it supports the opportunity to learn new skills, gain work experience and qualifications and build friendships in a welcoming environment.
During the volunteering day, the Denbury Homes team rolled up their sleeves to help with a range of jobs around the farm, including mowing, tidying the site, painting animal pens, and erecting a wooden gazebo. The gazebo will provide a sheltered outdoor space for those using the farm to enjoy throughout the year.
Ashley Richardson, Farm Manager at Red Rose Farm, said: “We are hugely grateful to the Denbury Homes Team. The tasks that they managed to complete in one day would have taken us months to finish! The gazebo Denbury Homes erected will have a huge impact on the day-to-day running of the farm. With summers getting hotter, having shaded outdoor space is vital for our visitors, whether it is for a shady spot for lunch, planting seeds, potting on plants, or even playing a game of Boccia!”
Joshua Hopkins, Managing Director at Denbury Homes, added: “Supporting communities close to our developments and Head Office is very important to us, and we were delighted to spend the day helping the team at Red Rose Community Farm.
“It was a real team effort, and we are proud to have made a tangible difference that will support the farm’s regular volunteers and visitors.”
The farm supports on average 15-18 adults and young people each day who have learning difficulties, alongside weekly Care Farming sessions for local primary schools where they work with small groups of up to 10 children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The farm also runs SEND Family Farm days during the school holidays, welcoming around 10 families every Monday for a fun-packed day on the farm.
Ashley continues: “Care farming gives people the opportunity to build confidence, friendships and practical skills through meaningful activities in a relaxed and supportive environment. Being part of a working farm, spending time outdoors and caring for animals can provide a real sense of purpose and achievement, while helping people develop greater independence and resilience that can benefit them beyond the farm.”
The volunteering opportunity was arranged with the support of Suffolk Community Foundation, which works with local charities and community groups across the County.
Fran Wright, Philanthropy Manager at Suffolk Community Foundation, said: “It was great to connect the Denbury Homes team with Red Rose Community Farm and see the difference their time and practical support has made. Volunteering opportunities like this are a valuable way for local businesses to use their skills and resources to support organisations making a real difference in their communities.”
As well as volunteering, Denbury Homes distributes financial support to charities across East Anglia and has given almost £1.8m in the form of donations, grants, and other initiatives since 2017. For information about the grants contact Suffolk Community Foundation.
Find out more about Red Rose Farm here: https://infolink.suffolk.gov.uk/kb5/suffolk/infolink/service.page?id=FBzKmNYK0iE
