Dan pursues career goals at New Warlands Farm
After trying his hand at everything from catering to roofing, 34-year-old Dan has found the opportunity to progress his career at New Warlands Farm.
Government backs Growing Futures appeal
THE North East Autism Society has received a Government grant worth £300,000 to gets its dream of turning a farm into a training hub for autistic people off to a flying start.
The charity has plans to create a visitor attraction with a cider press, café and sustainable farm at the 78-acre New Warlands Farm in County Durham.
The £4.4 million scheme, which will provide more than 60 job and training opportunities a year, has been welcomed by the Government.
Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner, said: “I am delighted that the North East Autism Society is benefiting from a Defra Farming Investment Fund grant to help develop these fantastic new facilities.
“It is absolutely vital that neurodivergent people get the support they need to thrive in life, and this development will create a number of opportunities for those in the North East to explore an exciting career in the food and farming sector.”
Just three in 10 autistic people are in paid employment in the UK – the lowest rate of any disability group.
The New Warlands Farm development will provide meaningful employment opportunities in horticulture, animal husbandry, food production, hospitality, and retail.
The £300,000 grant from the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) came from its Farming Investment Fund – Adding Value, for farm businesses that support diversification and add value to their products.
New Warlands Farm will produce, brand and sell its own cider and apple juice, with the labels designed by internationally renowned artist and charity patron, Mackenzie Thorpe.
NEAS has launched a capital appeal called Growing Futures to help fund the scheme – and has already received more than £1 million from independent foundations and trusts.
Business leader and philanthropist Sir Peter Vardy pledged £500,000, while the charity has also received grants from the Garfield Weston Foundation, The Wolfson Foundation, the Edward Gostling Foundation, and Laing Family Trusts.
Paul Ramsbottom, chief executive of the Wolfson Foundation, which focuses on research and education, said: “Access to meaningful opportunities and support makes a profound difference in reducing the barriers and challenges that autistic individuals and their families sadly face.
“The development of New Warlands Farm will expand the Society’s enterprise space to help individuals gain and sustain work-related opportunities. We are delighted to be supporting this project.”
The development is the most ambitious yet for NEAS, which celebrates its 45th anniversary this year.
John Phillipson, the charity’s chief executive, says: “We are incredibly grateful to the foundations, trusts and agencies that have so generously supported this innovative project.
“It is vital work but we can’t do it alone. These grants are the foundation stone of the whole development.”
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