Road Farm Countryways care farm Wins GOLD award
On Tuesday 22nd September Andy Collins, from BBC Three Counties Radio, arrived at Road Farm and surprised Wendy Gray with the Make A Difference Social Care award for her tireless energy and enthusiasm providing opportunities for vulnerable people to participate in farm activities to improve their wellbeing and learning. There was also a surprise personal video message from Charlotte Smith, host of the BBC 4 Farming Programme commending Wendy & Duncan for their work. Wendy & Duncan welcome young adults, those with physical or mental health issues, learning difficulties, a fortnightly Countrymen’s Club for older isolated gentlemen, among others to the farm for care farming therapy.
Wendy was thrilled with her surprise and after the announcement had sunk in, she said ” THANK YOU so much for this! Such an encouragement. I must say thank you to everyone who supports us. This is a team effort, down to an amazingly wonderful husband and family and our wonderful team of volunteers.” There has been a frenzy of activity on social media following the award – you can see the award presentation on Facebook and Twitter – with Wendy adding “A huge thank you to everyone for their positive feedback, it’s so humbling.”
When asked by Andy Collins to tell him a little bit about what Wendy & Duncan offer at the farm, Wendy said ” We have people her of all different ages and stages who come out to the farm and get involved with the animals and they do all that as a way to help them feel better and be able to move on with their day.” She added, “Some spend a lot of time being cared for by other people, but here they can come to the farm and give that care to something else.”
Andy Collins presented Wendy with her Gold Award for Social Care and a Radio. The Award presentation and interview was featured on BBC Three Counties Radio drive time on 22nd September and on the breakfast show on 23rd September.
The Make A Difference awards celebrate the best people in Beds, Bucks and Herts. Specifically, the Social Care category celebrates professional or volunteer carers who have gone the extra mile to ensure those in their care have continued to get the best possible support, despite the difficult circumstances. Or for someone who has shown exceptional dedication to their caring role at any time in the last 12 months. Throughly deserved I am sure you will agree.