A YEAR-LONG project in North Yorkshire brought military and civilian families together to share a programme of animal care, craft skills, fruit and vegetable growing, harvesting and cooking.
Based at the 110-acre Clow Beck Farm, the Catterick and Clervaux Young Families Community Covenant Project helped to alleviate social isolation, build confidence and teach new skills. The project’s success has helped secure Libor funding to build a permanent centre, The Fold.
Trying new things
Families met every month to try out activities such as pottery, wool weaving and woodwork, as well as looking after animals on the farm and cooking organic food.
One Army family said: “It has made me focus on time for family, which has brought us closer, particularly when my husband spends months away. The children are always excited to show and tell what they have done.”
The Fold will have multi-use workshops, kitchen and dining areas and a lounge, as well as new gardens. These will provide therapeutic activities for families to enjoy positive, practical experiences.
For more information on The Fold, contact Lone Helliwell on 01325 729860 or email lone.helliwell@clervaux.org.uk