We are delighted to announce that Market Field Farm, a small charity in Essex that gives young people with learning disabilities a stepping stone into work, has been awarded a £3,500 grant through our Grants for Good programme.
Market Field Farm secured the maximum funding available, following a vote by John Good Group employees after making the shortlist out of more than 300 applications.
Market Field Farm is a fantastic new charity, created to help young people with learning disabilities get into work. Their working environment is supportive, yet challenging and each young person gains skills to further their independence whilst at work.
They operate an enterprise, under the charity, called Market Field Grows that works alongside organisations to undertake conservation, gardening and maintenance work. Already, the families and their tutors have seen positive changes across many areas of their young person’s life. For most, if not all, this is the first opportunity they have had to be independent from their family, school or college – and all have embraced the opportunity and love being part of a team, meeting new people, learning about the work they’re undertaking and contributing to a large scale project.
With demand for their services high, coupled with the positive outcomes, the charity wants to expand and create a second team. Our funds will help purchase the equipment needed to get the second team up and running.
“Only 5% of people with a learning disability, ADHD or autism will secure meaningful, paid employment. There is no other section of our society where this figure is as high or would be accepted. However, with the right support, which we’ve found to be minimal, young people can work and flourish once they finish their full-time education. We have put together a team, who benefit not just by earning money, but by meeting new people and gaining confidence through their success – all whilst helping conserve nature and support conservation groups. Receiving funding means we can continue our enterprise and ensure many young people have bright futures – it really does change lives.”
Naomi, Market Field Farm
“It was such a pleasure to meet Naomi, her energy for this project seems endless and she is clearly very passionate about making making a difference to the lives of young people. With limited funds and resources, Naomi has achieved so much already and has ambitious plans for the future, which will impact many young people in the future. I’m really looking forward to seeing how Market Field Farm grows over the years. With 95% of people with learning disabilities unemployed, Market Field Farm provides a much needed solution that may act as a precedent and a launchpad for similar projects throughout the country.”
Michelle, Matthew Good Foundation
