Care farming helps raise autism awareness in Winsham (From This is The West Country)

Care farming helps raise autism awareness in Winsham

4:29pm Monday 4th April 2011 in News By Jamie Brooks

A FARMING project in Winsham is helping to combine care of the land with care of people, after working in partnership with a local charity.

The Magdalen Project has been providing the chance for a group of The Wessex Autistic Society’s adult residents to experience care farming firsthand every fortnight since November 2010.

The environmental education centre has structured activities in place to contribute to the health and wellbeing of children and adults with special needs as well as equip them with usable life skills.

Countries around the globe marked World Autism Awareness Day earlier this month (April) and such projects can provide positive experiences to groups.

Care Farming Manager Rebecca King said: “Close contact with animals, crops, woodlands and the rural landscape has been proved to be highly therapeutic for a wide range of people.”

The Magdalen Project has a range of managed and natural habitats on site, which prove useful for adults with autism, experiencing problems with social interaction, heightened senses and high levels of anxiety.

Rebecca added: “The day will start in the beautiful outdoor classroom, which is part of the multi-purpose education centre where we will meet and talk about our planned activities.

“Over time the service users will build a bond with the animals and feel comfortable to interact and make friends with them.”

World Autism Awareness Day aims to highlight the importance of early diagnosis and intervention as well as continued lifelong support.

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