Solidarity Farm is amazing! Read about Rothbury CAN's visit
Solidarity Farm offers alternative education to young people who are struggling in mainstream, who are experiencing anxiety, or poor mental health, and those who feel misunderstood, or unsupported.
I am proud and delighted to be telling you what we learned on our visit to this very special farm. John Harrison has created something of immense value; a much needed addition to what is currently offered within Northumberland to young people who may feel disengaged, might be not have attended school for some time, might be vulnerable, or have special educational needs and/or disabilities.
How it began
John comes from a farming family. Jason Davidson, who works with John, is also from a farming family, and together with a new intern, the team are making a real difference to the lives of many young people. The farm is organic, and has Luing cattle and an assortment of sheep (the cutest of which are really 'pets' which arrived from Northumberland zoo).
With an MA in International Development, and an MBA from Newcastle University, John is a thinker, who never stops learning and reflecting. He has such a lot of respect and empathy, along with a fun and happy nature, I am sure the young people he walks alongside will benefit a great deal.
John left home as a younger man to explore other ways of living, thinking, and believing, and to find new opportunities.
It is not a surprise to hear that he found work in international development; working across Africa. His work back in the UK, leading a homeless charity, is also relevant to his evolution as a farmer with a vision of creating educational experiences which create a unity of purpose, and mutual responsibility. The name Solidarity Farm - from the French 'solidarité' - the ethos here is to walk alongside these youngsters. Helping them on a journey to a better future; the lessons and activities offered are geared for their longer term learning.
Clearly motivated by a desire to help others, and with a finely tuned moral compass, John is a man with a vision of fairness and equity, a love of nature, and need to acknowledge and respect diversity.
John and Jason, showing us one of the areas where the young people can freely and safely explore.
Though they usually, when they first arrive, choose to get very wet in the burn!
Farm activities - gaining confidence, learning new skills
John and Jason explain that the Young People learn about animal care, farm maintenance, conservation work, and take part in building projects.
All very valuable skills and knowledge to gain, and equally important is the support for mental wellbeing, developing empathy, learning to care for animals and the planet.
You can read all about the ambitious range of activities already on offer on the excellent website.
Old machinery and bees!
It was really relevatory to learn that this old machinery, and some invented machinery, is still used. The only spanking new stuff we saw was the shiny tractor, and the useful trailer - which can be used to transport a whole class of children!
Tractor purchased with help from the Clothworkers' Foundation and other funders
John still has to spend a considerable length of time each week seeking funding. He has great and growing ideas about how to support Northumberland's NEET young people (Not in Education, Employment, or Training).
His passion and drive for making a difference was apparent to us all, and we all of us agreed that the word to describe our visit, was 'INSPIRATIONAL'.
Thank you so much to John and Jason for a really informative, fun, and interesting morning.
