Do you know someone who enjoys the countryside and who may be feeling the effect of isolation and loneliness during the current lockdown?
The idea of the Countrymen’s Club, backed by the national charity ‘Countrymen UK’ is that all men, regardless of their mobility or cognitive levels, should have the opportunity to participate in healthy, active and social activities in a safe and supported countryside or farm environment to the benefit of their physical and mental wellbeing. The network also supports family carers.
Our Monday Countrymen’s Group had to temporarily go on hold due to Covid-19. We are now focusing our attention on the wider community by providing outreach services. We aim to keep men and their family carers up-to-date with countryside news and services, as well as keeping them motivated and stimulated during lockdown. This can be anything from a regular telephone call, activities to complete at home, posting a newsletter, updates on Twitter, delivering farm fresh eggs or links to videos and photographs about what is going on at our farm. Hopefully in time we will be able to invite gentlemen back onto the farm on a 1:1 for a cream tea and walk around the farm.
We want to extend this support out to the wider community – do you know anyone who may enjoy farm-related outreach?
We would like to reach men who already have an affinity with the countryside and outdoor environments and/or have long-term health or mobility issues. Their interest in the countryside might stem from their previous occupation in farming or horticulture or perhaps through their leisure activities e.g. gardening, fishing, walking etc.
These men will be finding it difficult to be indoors and those living with health conditions such as dementia may not understand the current situation. Their family carers will be facing additional challenges and pressures at this time and may appreciate some additional support.
It is so important to reach out to these men and their family carers in our communities.
Perhaps you have someone in mind who would appreciate this support or you are part of an organisation that could help spread the word about what we can offer, if so please contact us so that we can discuss how we may be able to help.