Men experiencing dementia, chronic illness or loneliness will soon be offered a very different opportunity to a traditional day centre.
Future Roots, a local community organisation that runs farms near Sherborne and Dorchester, has been awarded £290,814 by the Big Lottery Fund to expand a project that uses the best that farm life can offer.
The project, The Countrymen’s Club, was set up three years ago when the organisation found that many older men were reluctant to take part in the activities that were offered to them elsewhere.
Julie Plumley, director of Future Roots and a registered social worker, said “Our work with older men really started when my Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He’d been a farmer all his life and he really didn’t like sitting indoors all day. What he told us was that he wanted to be outside in the farmyard.
After that we began meeting many older men, particularly retired farmers, who wanted something that didn’t seem to be available.
The Countrymen’s Club was our solution. It’s a supportive countryside environment where men of all abilities can meet likeminded people and get involved in things that they enjoy. That might be caring for the animals, growing plants, and making rural crafts.”
The project has been available to older men near Sherborne, but will now be expanded to the Dorchester area and for men under 50 with limiting-long term illnesses.
Commenting on the award Michael Bevan, Dorset County Councillor and Champion for Mental Health Services, said “Projects like these are invaluable in rural areas where the most vulnerable in the community feel isolated. This initiative is worthy of all the support it can get to make the lives of many people suffering from limiting longer term illnesses that much happier. It offers opportunities and comfort for those who need it the most.”
The new project begins officially in October, but places are available in the meantime. Anyone interested in attending the project, as well as potential partners, are encouraged to contact Future Roots on 01963 210703 / [email protected].
