WITH half-term approaching, the team at Jamie’s Farm will be supporting young people during lockdown through a course of extra-curricular lessons as part of Oak National Academy’s Half Term Activities Club.

Jamie’s Farm supports young people in schools nationwide by offering residential trips to its rural havens in Lewes, Bath, Hereford and Monmouth.

While government restrictions have meant that the farms have temporarily closed to visitors, the charity has been working hard to continue bringing its programme of “Farming, Therapy and Legacy” to the children it supports.

Jamie’s Farm has partnered with the Oak National Academy, a high-quality, free virtual classroom created by teachers in response to the coronavirus lockdown. Staff, farmers and therapists at the charity have organised a week of fun, extra-curricular lessons as part of the online academy’s Half Term Activity Club, using their working farms and animals to support young people during the lockdown and beyond.

Lessons from the Farm will run throughout the half-term week and aim to encourage young people to make healthier decisions and routines, challenge themselves to try new things and to connect with others in a supportive, meaningful way. From feeding the animals and building fences to protect the crops, to shearing the lambs, the fun and engaging activities will bring the countryside to young people around the country wherever they happen to be.

Jamie Feilden, founder of Jamie’s Farm, said: “We know how challenging the lockdown period has been for the young people we support, particularly for those children who have not had access to outdoor space and who may be feeling withdrawn and disengaged.

“We hope that our half-term activities will be enjoyed by young people throughout the country but we know that once restrictions are lifted, a trip to our farms will be needed more than ever. In the meantime, we hope that these online sessions will help bring the Jamie’s Farm programme and our wonderful farms and animals to children nationwide.”

Jamie’s Farm’s ‘Lessons from the Farm’ course will be available from May 25. Visit jamies.farm.org.uk