Kerry Social Farming Project needs more volunteers

THE Kerry Social Farming Project is a success story that continues to exceed all expectations as it goes from strength to strength.

Established in 2013, the project has seen a steady rise in host farms which encourages activation and participation for people with disabilities as they work in a farming environment.

The social farming project is constantly looking for host farms which, between established and newly signed up farms, now stands at 17 located in the north and south of the county.

But a strong volunteer dimension is vital to the project as the essence of inclusion is participation. The project obviously wants more famers, but also volunteers to help participants in their work. Given the rural nature of the project, transport is vital and this presents a great opportunity for people who want to get involved and who may feel they have something to offer.

“As we have a growing number of eager participants who are keen to avail of social farming opportunities, along with our farms we also want to extend our range of volunteers as they are the ones who can really help to boost the services to people with disabilities and in their interaction with the project as a whole,” said Irene Kavanagh, Kerry Social Farming Facilitator.

In 2017 a Department of Agriculture grant enabled the project to undertake a major study and evaluation of the benefits the Kerry Social Farming Project brings to both its participants and hosts. The study was conducted by Dr Brendan O’Keeffe formerly of Mary Immaculate College, Dr Shane O’Sullivan of Limerick IT and Independent Researcher Dr Caroline Crowley.

The findings of the report and the feedback revealed a wide cross-section of benefits for people with disabilities and also for the farmers.

The Kerry Social Farming Project is very active across a whole range of social pursuits and are recipients of some major awards. For example, they were overall winners of ‘ The Kerryman Kerry Community Awards 2017’ and were Pride of Place finalists in County Donegal last year - a trip that was thoroughly enjoyed by the host farmers and participants who made the long trek north.

“We also organise various field trips like the Ploughing Championships and the Burren Winterage, for example, as this helps generate great camaraderie and offers a great social link. Volunteers would be greatly appreciated as they would be supporting participants on the farm and/or with transporting the participants to and from the farm. Training will be provided and expenses will be covered,” Irene added.

In particular, applications from candidates with their own transport and experience of working with people with a disability (QQI level 5 care assistant, social care equivalent, or currently studying same) are welcome.

For more information contact Irene on 066 9472724. Mobile 087 6266118. Email: ikavanagh@skdp.net. Or visit the Kerry Social Farming Facebook Page, Twitter: @KerrySocialFarm; Website: http://kerrysocialfarming.ie/. You can also write to Irene Kavanagh, Kerry Social Farming facilitor, c/o SKDP Offices, West Main St, Cahersiveen.