An urban farm is bringing together community groups, volunteers and companies to help vulnerable people.

The Care Co-ops Community Farm in Stanmer Park, Brighton, was founded in 1993 so community groups could teach young unemployed people, asylum-seekers and people with learning and mental health difficulties organic gardening.

Other projects include a wildlife garden, traditional crafts, green woodworking, conservation, environmental art and "green construction".

Farm manager Mike Hamilton said: "The farm provides a place where people can come out of their shells.

"It's a quiet and safe outdoor environment, which is very important when you're working with vulnerable people, and the people find growing vegetables and flowers very rewarding.

We can cook small meals with the food we've grown, which adds to the sense of working together."

Danny Wood, 29, has a learning disability and has been visiting the farm twice a week since he was referred by social services.

He said: "I used to work at Brighton College, potting up plants and helping around the greenhouse.

"I enjoy gardening a lot and I've been learning how to do new things. It's peaceful and quiet and we get to sell some of the stuff we grow."

Danny has used his experiences to help him get an NVQ 1 in horticulture.

He said: "I've been learning how to landscape gardens and I'd like to do more of that.

"I enjoy gardening a lot and I like helping other people with their problems."

Mike said the farm was a supportive environment for people like Danny and that everyone looked out for each other.

He said: "We've got about 25 people using the farm regularly and they are very friendly towards each other. It's nice to see people working together to make the farm even better."

Toby Chown now works for Care Co-ops after volunteering at the farm. He said: "I left university and didn't know what I wanted to do.

"I decided I wanted to get some gardening experience so I ended up going to the farm for a six-month placement as part of the New Deal. It was great fun.

"The site is lovely. People have worked really hard to make it special." He wanted more people to volunteer at the farm - something he still does.

He said: "There are loads of benefits to getting involved. Just being in touch with growing things is a good place to start helping community regeneration.

"Meeting people can be quite difficult these days but when you're cooperating on something that's inspiring it's extremely easy."

The farm also welcomed monetary and material donations, such as old garden tools, plants, seeds and trays.

Local companies had been provided volunteers and money. Mike said: "We're always trying to raise more money for this project, which we think has been extremely beneficial to everyone who has been involved."

To volunteer, call Fi Garrard on 01273 696153.

Tuesday April 1 2003