Councillor Mark Nuti, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing & Public Health, visited a small farm, nestled in a village in Surrey, that is making a big difference to the wellbeing of young people with complex mental health needs.
The East Surrey Care Farm Project is providing a nurturing environment for young individuals to engage in nature-based activities. The initiative is supported by an award of £65,900 from the Mental Health Investment Fund and the Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes programme.
The farm enables young people to take part in activities alongside farmers where they can experience caring for animals, learn about the environmental aspects of farming and the machinery used to run the farm. The farms are surrounded by lush green fields and have a calm atmosphere, where people attending can take a step back from everyday life and the pressures they feel. Through physical activity and engaging with nature, their mental wellbeing is improved and anxiety and stress reduced.
Nellie Budd welcomes young people on the farm and highlighted that it is not only the young people who benefit from this initiative: “This project has given me an opportunity to give back to my community and share my knowledge and love of farming. The financial benefit of hosting these sessions also supports the running of the farm.”
Katie Daw, the Surrey Hills Society Care Farm Coordinator, has been instrumental in working with farmers from three key sites to support young people and adults with mild to medium mental health issues. “Our goal is to create a supportive environment where individuals can connect with nature, learn new skills, and build confidence,” says Katie. “The farm provides a safe space for them to be themselves and find solace in the natural surroundings.”
One of the young people visiting the farm shared that the sessions are the highlight of her week. When asked which bit she liked best she said, “all of it”. Her enjoyment from the sessions has encouraged her to look at a career in farming.
Councillor Nuti emphasised the importance of initiatives like this supported by the Mental Health Investment Fund: “Giving young people the opportunity to benefit from nature to support their mental wellbeing is invaluable and is making a big difference to their lives, whether that’s building social skills, technical knowledge or a love for the environment to take forward with them.”
Jack Wagstaff, Executive Director of Strategic Commissioning for Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care System (ICS), said: “MHIF funding has helped play a crucial role in bringing this project to life. Care farms provide a safe, natural setting where people can connect with animals, engage in meaningful farm activities, and find calm away from daily stress. For some, these sessions may be their only social interaction, offering vital support to improve wellbeing and help prevent mental health crises.”
This pilot project lays the groundwork for future initiatives that explore the use of farms as a form of social prescription to support mental wellbeing. The University of Surrey is currently evaluating the impact of the project, and more information on the project to date can be found on the Surrey Hills website. For more information about the work of the mental health investment fund with a focus on prevention and early intervention in mental health, visit Mental Health Investment Fund (MHIF) | Healthy Surrey.
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