Staff at housing association and house-builder Curo have raised more than £10,000 for Bath City Farm after it was chosen as their Charity of the Year.

Curo Chief Executive Victor da Cunha presents Bath City Farm with a fundraising cheque | Photo © Curo
Each year, Curo employees choose a local charity to support, and for the past year, they’ve given their time and effort to support the farm, based near Curo’s offices in Twerton.
Victor da Cunha, Curo’s Chief Executive, said: “As a social landlord with a charitable purpose, Curo knows just how important funding is to fuel the great work done every day.
“It’s been a real privilege to work with the farm’s wonderful team who do so much for our community, and we look forward to seeing their impact grow further in the future.”
Curo staff raised money for the charity through a variety of fundraising activities, including the Bath Half Marathon, the Three Peaks Challenge and a raffle.
Alison Howell, Communications Lead at Bath City Farm, said that the money raised will have a tremendous impact.
The fundraising will help pay for food, bedding, shelter and vet bills for the farm’s animals, which include Shetland ponies, pigs, goats and chickens.
Alison said: “It will positively touch the lives of our team, volunteers and visitors in so many ways.”
“The animals are much loved by families and visitors, delighting and educating children and adults alike. They also play a vital role in our therapeutic work with participants of our health and wellbeing programmes.
“For many, the farm is a place to recover from acute mental distress and rebuild a healthier lifestyle, connecting with nature and each other.?”
The farm offers people who are having issues with their mental health the chance to volunteer. Medical professionals can refer volunteers or they can refer themselves.
Alison added: “There are 60 volunteers on our books and on Mondays and Wednesdays they help out, planting veg and tending to animals.”
In June 2022, a Curo team fitted a new kitchen in the farm’s volunteer cabin.
Alison said: “This is now a bright, clean and welcoming space where volunteers can enjoy a welcome cup of tea and conversation between work on the farm.”