Families invited to get in touch with nature at Farm Fun Day with Jersey Mencap

Children will be able to learn forest school skills at Farm Fun Day with Jersey Mencap this Saturday.

The charity, which is one of two beneficiaries on the day along with Brightly, is opening up its nearby ‘pond project’ to the public and will be running forest school activities such as nature-themed arts and crafts. The pond offers the chance to learn about managing the land, conservation, and essential life skills such as team work and building confidence to adults with a learning disability. 

Projects such as the pond would not be possible without the coordination and planning of Jersey Mencap’s Manager, Alex Wiles, and this year Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands has granted £30,000 towards the salary of this role.

Commenting on the project and funding from the Foundation, Alex said:

“I am so grateful to Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands allowing me to carry on working with such a fantastic group of islanders. The coordination of Jersey Mencap’s pond project has become a large part of my role and it is rewarding to see our members benefit from this project and hopefully take those skills into the next chapter of their lives. 

The Farm Fun Day at La Ferme is the perfect opportunity to show off this little oasis of ours and we really hope that children visiting the farm will enjoy learning forest school skills and arts and crafts in nature.”

Jo Le Poidevin, Executive Director, Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands, also commented:

“The work of Jersey Mencap is absolutely vital for adults and children with learning disabilities on the island. Trustees of the Foundation are so pleased to be able to support the Manager’s role and all the hard work involved in the pond project, as well as the many other innovative projects and fund-raising initiatives. We look forward to seeing Mencap’s members benefit from a range of opportunities offering new skills, experience and improved self-confidence enabling every individual to fulfil their potential.

Farm Fun Day takes place on Saturday 28^thJuly at ‘La Ferme’, St. Martin, 11am-4pm. It is £5 for adults and free for children, with all proceeds going to Jersey Mencap and Brightly.