East Suffolk Council
Nailed it! Councillor funding helps care farm charity’s workshop project
A project providing access to carpentry skills for people with restricted mobility is having a ‘massive impact’ since receiving funding from East Suffolk councillors.
A £9,000 donation from the Enabling Communities Budgets of six East Suffolk Council members allowed Pathways Care Farm to complete construction of a wheelchair accessible workshop at the charity’s site in Lowestoft.
The workshop is now fully equipped with the tools needed for the farm’s growing number of service users to pick up woodworking skills in a safe, inviting space.
Final funding for the £15,000 project was provided by Gunton and St Margarets councillors George King and Graham Parker, Kirkley and Pakefield councillors Peter Byatt and Louise Gooch, Harbour and Normanston councillor Janet Craig, and Kessingland councillor Alan Green.
Colin Turk, who runs the workshop, said:
“Suddenly, the workshop is one of the busiest places on the farm.
“The impact of moving the workshop downstairs has meant that not only does immobility play no part in stopping engagement, but also everyone else is at ease just looking through the windows or actually coming in to see all the fantastic work going on.
“The new facility has had a massive impact on opening up opportunities for so many more people.”
Pathways Care Farm works with the NHS, social care services and other charities to provide vocational skills credited with supporting the physical, emotional and mental health, and wellbeing of service users.
Cllr King (pictured with councillors Craig and Parker, presenting a cheque to Pathways Care Farm director, Geoff Stevens), who led the application, said:
“This is such a worthy cause, and we were pleased to provide funding for the final plans, materials and labour required to get the workshop project over the line.
“I’m proud that Lowestoft and East Suffolk are home to facilities, like this one, that work toward maximising people’s opportunities, potential and wellbeing.”