The concept and value of Social Farming will be outlined at an open day on the farm of Shelly Berry and Denis O Connor of Ballinamona, Kilmuckridge, Gorey, Co Wexford on Friday 29th September 2017 from 10am to 1pm.

Social Farming is the practice of offering activity on farms as a form of a social support service, providing social, educational, therapeutic and rehabilitative opportunities for a wide range of people  who  need  support  to  contribute  to  the  positive  social  fabric  required  for  society  to  be  truly  inclusive.

Participants include people with intellectual, physical, mental disabilities, older people, those with addictions and in need of rehabilitation and those with sensory and financial difficulties.  They benefit from the value of physical work, learning new skills and reconnecting with food, nature and rural life.

As a farm diversification tool, social farming helps to combat the effects of rural isolation as well as offering a solution to some of Ireland’s health and social care needs.

The concept of Social Farming dovetails well with the objectives of both the LEADER & SICAP Programmes currently being delivered by Wexford Local Development.

All are welcome to the open day.  For further information, contact John Evoy, Regional Development Officer @ 087 2311061