Children will need ‘rural haven’ in Lewes after difficulties in lockdown

The charity is reaching out to the public for help to raise £50,000, which will be doubled to £100,000 during The Big Give week, from June 20 to 30.

This will go toward supporting vulnerable children whose lives, mental wellbeing and, in some cases, safety, has been impacted.

Jamie’s Farm’s 2020 ambition is to bring their programme of farming, family, therapy and legacy to 1,400 vulnerable young people.

Throughout the year, the charity welcomes young people from across the country for engaging and innovative trips to its rural haven in Lewes.

Although the farm had to close its doors to visitors due to coronavirus restrictions, the teams are now preparing for a phased reopening as soon as it is safe to do so, while continuing online support work.

Lockdown measures and limited access to services have exacerbated problems for disadvantaged children. For many of the children Jamie’s Farm supports, the lockdown has meant living in cramped conditions with limited access to the outdoors, being exposed to the added pressures of lost incomes and in some cases bereavement.

Many lack access to a laptop, the internet and the space to work, meaning that home learning has not been possible.

Welcoming these young people to Jamie’s Farm is more important now than ever.

Through Champions for Children, Jamie’s Farm hopes to raise £50,000 between the June 23 and 30. All donations made during this week via The Big Give website will be matched thanks to funding from The Childhood Trust and St James’ Place, doubling the support given to those children who need it most – so their £50,000 target would be doubled to £100,000.

All funds will go directly to facilitating Jamie’s Farm transformational work, helping children to realise their full potential and move forward with their lives following the disruptions and challenges of coronavirus.

To pledge your support visit www.jamiesfarm.org.uk/the-big-give-2020