This small organic farm is dedicated in the interest of the community and specifically benefiting Adults with Learning Difficulties. Set in beautiful open countryside in Hamstead Marshall, Good Hope Farm operates as a day Centre offering meaningful activities and work experience in a nurturing environment for adults with special needs. The activities build confidence and promote well- being, sustaining and connecting with the natural world.

Karine Giannamore is the founding Director and a passionate advocate of supporting adults with learning difficulties, optimising both physical and mental wellbeing in the outdoors. “When the project was started two years ago, there was nothing but a bare field. We have worked very hard since then to put together a safe, beautiful, and welcoming garden. We have restored a shed which has become our office and a place to sit and have tea, have installed a polytunnel, made a fence, created beds, planted many trees and planted so many flowers. The local community have been incredible with their support.

Recently officially registered as a Community Project with the social services from West Berkshire, qualifying vulnerable adults can now be referred. This is a huge achievement for us.”

A Service Provider for People with Learning Disabilities, Good Hope Farm provides support and meaningful occupation to some of the most isolated members of our community. Many young adults need a place of purposeful activity post school or college and those are sometimes challenging to find once the Education Plan stops. With the right support, most people with a learning disability can lead independent lives at home and can be a real added value in the work environment.

Our farmers take part in horticultural activities, cultivating organically seasonal vegetables, fruit and flowers in order to sell the produce on site and local markets. They learn about healthy food and the rhythm of the seasons. Working in small, supported groups engaging in activities that benefit their well-being and their physical health, enabling them to build and strengthen practical and vocational skills.

Next steps include improving the accessibility to the site for wheelchair users, create suitable paths especially safe drop off and parking facilities for staff and emergency services. Getting stuck in the mud is not an option! Good Hope Farm are fortunate to have a fundraising platform through The Good Exchange.