From the moment you walk through the gates of Dutch Farm, you get an overwhelming sense of community, pride and belonging.
Established by YMCA Together in 2011 in the South Liverpool suburbs, the project uses the power of nature to engage people experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse, problematic substance use and challenging mental health issues.
It’s a place of tranquillity, reflection, creativity, and somewhere for individuals to enhance their skill set while creating friendships and supporting mental health and overall wellbeing.
Utilising the farm’s outside space, a number of workshops are facilitated throughout each week, including growing vegetables to looking after animals to more creative outlets such as art and food production.
The much-loved community farm boasts animals including chickens and pigs alongside an allotment and vegetable bed, green houses and a small arts and crafts centre.
Project Lead for Dutch Farm Liz Sabatini told Liverpool Noise: “Dutch Farm represents hope. It’s a place for people to discover themselves through meaningful activities and expand their skillsets to help them move forward with their lives.
“We’re proud of the work we do here and the positive impact it has. Our aim now is to build on what we have created over the last 11 years and continue to give the people of Merseyside hope in times of darkness.”
The team at Dutch Farm not only work with service users, but also with the local community by inviting neighbouring schools and community groups to visit them on a regular basis. They’ve also been attracting a number of the region’s corporates as they plan to reconnect with their employees following the pandemic.
“At YMCA Together we are driven by our core values of Strength, Humility, Respect, Empathy and Kindness, all of which are embodied in the city of Liverpool”, added Liz, “Over the past 176 years we have been a safe space for people who are in need of our services, and we will continue to play our part in the community across Merseyside.”
