Farm welcoming city children to country awarded cash support

A Devon charity offering disadvantaged children a taste of life on the farm has been handed £1,000 to support its work.

Farms for City Children, which was founded by author Michael Morpurgo and his wife Clare in 1976,  has been awarded the donation from Persimmon Homes South West’s Community Champions fund, which sees two regional worthy causes awarded up to £1,000 each month.

Lisa Long, for the charity based in Huxham, near Exeter, said: “We provide residential breaks for young people at one of our three working farms. Children and their teachers live and work at the farms, explore the countryside and find out where good food comes from.

“They discover self-confidence as they conquer fears, grow in self-belief as they overcome challenges, create stories and poems, and learn to see a bigger, brighter future than they imagined.

“To make sure that we are still supporting children through this very unsettling time, we have been offering day visits for groups of up to six from local schools and support groups.

“After months of confinement and isolation we know that children need to be together, outdoors, more than even before. Generous donations such as this from the Community Champions fund helps us to provide these day visits*.”

Stacey Harris, sales director designate for Persimmon Homes South West, said: “We’re so pleased to support the charity with its work. To hear about the difference these trips make to the health and well-being of the children is uplifting and we are delighted to be able to offer some support.

“This is exactly what our Community Champions scheme is all about, supporting good causes to make a positive change. We are pleased that we have been able to offer our support.”

For more information or to apply for funding through Persimmon’s Community Champions please visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity

*Visits are currently suspended due to current restrictions.