A support programme at Bath City Farm is set to receive a £333,000 boost over the next three years thanks to an award from the National Lottery Community Fund.
Photo © Bath City Farm
Roots to Work began as a pilot programme in July 2022 and quickly grew in popularity, reaching out to people who had been socially isolated by the pandemic, have barriers to employment, or those at the beginning of their careers or wanting a career change.
The scheme offers a placement opportunity for adults over 18 years old who are long-term unemployed, have a mental health concern or a learning disability.
The programme aims to develop people’s skills and confidence in catering, hospitality, retail, ground maintenance, wildlife conservation or horticulture.
Trainees work alongside staff once a week for up to 6 months in either the cafe, community kitchen, farm gardens or grounds.
During the placement, trainees gain real on the job experience, learn new skills and earn AQA Awards to prove their abilities.
A cafe trainee said: “I began a café work placement in 2023, this is the best thing I have done this year. It has opened up so many other opportunities for me outside of the Farm both socially and personally.
“I now have a job and the confidence to apply for more. I have felt out of my depth beginning new things outside of the Farm, but have the support from staff at the Farm who encourage me and care.
“It’s quite stressful going through changes and dealing with different people, but now I am really thankful of having those experiences that taught me how best to adjust, respect boundaries and manage expectations of being in a workplace.”
The new funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes and is the largest community funder in the UK, will see the project fully funded for three years.
It also gives Bath City Farm the capacity to expand what is offered to trainees.
The Roots to Work programme has been able to extend the amount of one-to-one support each trainee receives to ensure their needs are being met, and a suitable onward progression is secured.
Next year the programme will be teaching a City and Guilds in Conservation and plans to encourage students to use their skills to have a positive impact on nature during their career journey.
During the first 9 months pilot period, Bath City Farm saw 54 people through the Roots to Work programme. 24% of those successfully gained employment, 33% progressed onto a volunteering role, 15% went on to education and 28% continued on the programme until a suitable progression was found.
Since then, a total of 81 trainees have entered the programme with several new enquiries each week.
Amy, a Roots to Work Coordinator, said: “Here at The Farm we really value our volunteers and trainees, this grant has enabled us to dedicate more time to each person to support them correctly and enable us to help find them meaningful onwards steps.
“We are very grateful to be able to offer such a bespoke service.”
