The farm on Mill Lane officially launched on Monday night. The launch event brought together the local businesses, charities and individuals who have supported us in the early stages and helped us get set up.

These included Greif UK, Knights Solicitors of Chester, Santander, Costco Wholesale, Wates Construction, Urenco Ltd, the Business Network Chester, Cheshire and West Chester Council, West Cheshire College, Whitby High School, the University of Chester, Brian Kennedy Trust, Healthbox CIC, EPNAVCO and SEED. 

The Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, who had the original idea to establish an enterprise that created jobs for local people who have been unemployed long-term, joined our Farm Manager Ola Rug in a tree planting ceremony to mark the official opening.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs, said: “The reason that the word ‘bridge’ is in the name of the farm is because we wanted to act as a bridge between different sectors of our society and get them all working together for the common good. Through Bridge Community Farms we see local businesses working with the local authority and together they have worked with a number of other organisations and some local philanthropists to help the long-term unemployed and other marginalised groups throughout Cheshire West and Cheshire.

“There are many initiatives that help people who are out of work by teaching CV writing or helping to improve interview skills. But they can’t actually provide them the job. What Bridge Community Farms does is create real jobs for people who might not otherwise have had a job. And that is, I think, genuinely different.

Francis Ball, Director of Bridge Community Farms, said: “This is a very exciting and pivotal moment in the young life of Bridge Community Farms and I want to thank everyone who has helped us get to this stage. We wouldn’t be here without generous donations from local businesses and trusts and the fantastic support from our amazing volunteers, who are all helping us to grow better lives in Ellesmere Port. We look forward to growing our team and bringing together all parts of the local community for everyone’s benefit.”

See photos of the launch event on our Facebook page.

TAT international conference workshop took place in Rugby College on 14^th and 15^th May 2015

The Warwickshire Race Equality Partnership (WREP) facilitated the event. The event was a dissemination of the TAT Project. During the day partners and colleagues addressed the issues surrounding Xenophobia and the underlying causes that make people feel threatened by immigration.

To celebrate Volunteers’ Week we are looking for new volunteers to join our Buddy Mentor programme to support community volunteering workdays at Bridge Community Farms in Ellesmere Port.

We want to support people with mental health problems, physical and learning disabilities and/or recovering from addictions and we need people to help us.

The aim of our Buddy Mentor programme is to help us maintain a supportive, welcoming and safe environment at the farm. Our community volunteering programme offers purpose, structure and meaningful work and helps develop life skills that can help recovery and support personal development.

As a buddy mentor you will play an important role in supporting fellow volunteers and co-ordinate tasks. This role will allow volunteers with extra support needs to contribute to the farm in various ways. Our mentors will help run practical activities and are available to volunteers who need extra guidance or help with settling in and getting to know the farm.

Our Buddy Mentor programme is for more experienced volunteers who are interested in taking on extra responsibility, particularly those who are interested in supporting volunteers with mental health problems, physical and learning disabilities.

How do I become a Buddy Mentor?
Ideally you will already have some work or voluntary experience in working with people with mental health problems or physical and learning disabilities, along with a passion for helping others.

If you have interest in health and wellbeing, have good people skills and you’d like to support people to get involved at our farm, we’d like to hear from you. Anyone interested in becoming a Buddy Mentor will have an initial induction to get to know the rest of the team and how the farm works.

You will need to attend a free one-day training programme and then we will give you ongoing support to become a mentor.  The training day will include an overview of our approach and activities, an introduction to social and therapeutic horticulture, and health and safety and guidance on supporting vulnerable adults.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Collette at volunteersbcf@gmail.com or call her on 07847 824 910.

FAQ’s
How much time do I have to commit?
We are looking for our mentors to commit to 1-4 volunteering sessions per month. We need mentors to be able to attend our Community Volunteering sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesday or Thursdays. We are also looking to support school groups visiting the farm on Mondays or Fridays in the very nearest future.

Why become a mentor?
This programme will help volunteers improve their communication skills and gain experience working in community farming and social care settings. We are also in the process of developing a personal development training programme with other local organisations, which you might be interested in joining in the future.

You will get regular supervision, support and training where appropriate to develop your own skills. The role will provide you with the opportunity to give something to the community, make new friends, and develop the valuable work of the farm.

Bridge Community Farms has teamed up with the Forest School to offer a taste of an outdoor experience you will never forget! 

This is a unique opportunity for over-18s in Ellesmere Port to get back to nature and unlock your inner tribesman or woman.  

From building dens and making fires to learning the knots and lashings needed for even the most complicated shelters and cooking facilities, it’s a chance to forget about the stresses and strains of modern life and reconnect with nature. Learn about the trees and wildlife on your doorstep, play some games and find out how to use nature to express your creative side.

We will be running daily sessions from 10am-12 noon, Monday 15^th- Friday 19^th June at Bridge Community Farms, Mill Lane, Ellesmere Port CH66 3TH.

And the best thing is the sessions are completely free, as we have funding kindly donated by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

There is a limited number of places available, so book yours now to avoid disappointment. To book, email sarahbarnes560@gmail.com or call Sarah on 07707 817225.

Cory started volunteering at Bridge Community Farms after his Prince’s Trust programme came to an end. He completed a two week placement and enjoyed his time so much that he wanted to continue to contribute to the farm. We caught up with Cory to find out what volunteering at Bridge Community Farms means.

How long have you been volunteering at Bridge Community Farms?
I’ve been volunteering at Bridge Community Farms since the beginning of May. I know that might not seem very long, but I’ve been here nearly every day since!

What tasks do you do?
I work alongside the rest of the team on the jobs that need doing that day.. As the farm is new there have been lots of crops to plant so I’ve been planting potatoes, fruit trees, and onions – until now I didn’t realise there were so many different ways to plant things! I’ve also helped make some raised beds.

What is the best bit?
Being outside everyday is definitely the best thing. Whether it’s raining or the sun is shining I don’t care – as long as I’m not stuck inside. I like having a list of jobs to work through and being able to just get on with it. It’s such a good feeling at the end of the day when I can see the progress we’ve made, and I’m motivated for the next day.

What have you learnt so far?
I’ve learnt a lot of new skills, from working by myself but also as part of a team.  I’ve also learnt about the land, Latin names for plants and knowledge of different planting techniques but I feel I have so much more to learn!

How much do you have to commit?
At the moment there is so much to do to get the farm ready before summer we really need more volunteers. At the moment I’m volunteering every day but that’s my choice – most people come along for a few hours through the week.

What do you do outside of volunteering?
I am looking at what other jobs I might want to apply for. Before my placement at the farm I hadn’t thought that this type of work would appeal to me, but now I want to find a job like this. Volunteering at Bridge Community Farms is giving me the opportunity to learn so much and equipping me with all kinds of skills to help me find a job to move on to.

If someone was thinking about volunteering at Bridge Community Farms, what would you tell them?
Just come down and get involved! Everyone is really nice and will make you feel really involved. Come along to one of the farms induction days on Tuesday mornings (9:30-12:30pm) – I hope to see you there.

If you’d like to find out more about volunteering at Bridge Community Farms please email Collete at volunteers@bridgecommunityfarms.co.uk