Updates from the farm

Days into his fact-finding tour as the new Chief Executive of the North East Autism Society (NEAS), Paul McGinnety accepted an invitation to help out at a disco for supported individuals. A look around the room quickly underlined why he’d made the right decision to return to his home region to run NEAS after 13 years working abroad.

Part of our ongoing Growing Futures appeal, the second phase of development will see several new buildings erected – including a cider mill, a farm shop, and a café.

An apple press built over a hundred years ago in Wiltshire is set to take pride of place in a County Durham cidery that will train and employ autistic people.

Work begins to plant 500 young fruit trees at New Warlands Farm thanks to a community partnership with North East Community Forest.

A family-owned cider maker with international acclaim is lending its expertise to support NEAS’ initiative to create jobs for autistic adults in cider making and orchard maintenance at New Warlands Farm.

Work is underway to turn New Warlands Farm into an exciting visitor centre that will offer work to autistic people, thanks to the generous support of North East businesses and communities. Find out how you can get involved and support Growing Futures.

The North East Autism Society (NEAS) has launched a new appeal to sponsor a tree at the charity’s ambitious 78 acre development, New Warlands Farm.

The planting of the ‘Tree of Hope’ sapling marks the beginning of development on the farm, which will offer work and training opportunities to autistic people.

Mackenzie Thorpe, celebrated artist and NEAS patron, has unveiled initial ideas for designs that will be incorporated into plans to transform a County Durham farm into an employment hub for autistic people.

NEAS chief executive John Phillipson was invited to the House of Lords to give evidence to its inquiry into how well the Autism Act 2009 is working.

The Growing Futures appeal has an ‘incredible response’ after businesses pledge their support.