How can I get involved?
Q: How do I get myself a place at Gorfenna?
A: Referrals can be made by health and social care professionals and carers. It is also possible for a person to self-refer.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Our fees are around £40 per day, but will depend on the level of support a person may need. If you have a personal budget in place to purchase your day care, you or a carer may also make a referral. We also offer a free of charge taster session to help you decide if you’d like to join us.
Q: What do I get for a day?
A: Our day opportunities will help you:
- encourage personal development
- enjoy the outdoors
- develop new skills
- make new friends
- be part of a team
- grow and cook healthy food
- keep fit and active
You will get the opportunity to experience and appropriate instruction in a small, safe, secure and friendly setting:
- some aspects of farming, horticulture, livestock care and farming, or
- a variety of crafting projects or
- working with wood in our extensive workshop
It stretches and challenges each individual in an appropriate manner and almost always leads to better mood and appetite, better sleep patterns and a sense of personal satisfaction in something worthwhile having been achieved.
Q: Will I just be another person?
A: No, you will be a valued individual to us and we offer individual time and support in achieving goals and realistic targets by providing meaningful activities and in a safe, structured, supervised environment.
Q: How does it help?
A: There is a well-established and growing body of evidence that shows that spending time hands-on with plants and animals can make a noticeable difference to your well-being. Some of the benefits include:
- Increased self-esteem
- Improved social interaction
- Enhanced confidence
- Developing awareness of well-being
- Working individually and as part of a team
- Preventing deterioration in many conditions
Gardening and looking after animals can improve physical health and mental well-being. It also provides structure, routine and respite. It confirms something that we already knew – that time spent with other people in a natural environment will only do you good.