As the year and the project draw to a close, it's time to reflect on everything we've achieved together. 

We previously reported that the impact of Covid-19 on government spending has meant that GCF project delivery will end at the end of 2021, a year earlier than expected. From 2022 we'll be moving into our reporting phase. Although there will be some team changes ahead, you'll still be able to access support through our care farming and green care resources.

If you'd like to feedback about our work, please complete our final project survey. It takes just five minutes and means that we can take your suggestions and ideas to the government.

Coming up, don't miss our December webinar bringing you the latest picture of the UK care farming and green care sector to date. We'll be sharing our latest survey results on sector scope, size and key trends. Book your place for a valuable overview.  

We couldn't track the sector without you, so thank you to everyone who completed our annual survey earlier this year. We'll reveal the winners of the annual survey prize draw in December, so please keep an eye on our social media for details! 

Members of Parliament recently heard about the transformative effect of care farming and green care on people's lives. 

Dr Rachel Bragg was one of three speakers at an October All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Health and the Natural Environment.  

The theme was 'Transforming delivery – providing examples of delivery programmes which aim to transform the provision of community based activities, using the natural environment, to better support people’s health and wellbeing'.

Rachel outlined the scale of the sector and highlighted how care farming is relevant for health & social care, education and agriculture – particularly since Covid-19. 

This month we launched information, case studies and a new film showing how care farming can help older people or those living with dementia.

Research by the charity Dementia Adventure shows that people living with dementia and their carers often face barriers to accessing the outdoors. Care farms providing dementia services offer vital local support to their communities.  

Our resources are designed to show the power of care farming and green care, so please share them with your networks. 

Calling all prospective care farmers! Norfolk County Council has six farms currently open for applications, including one specifically looking for care farm applications.    

The council is interested in applications seeking to develop a care farm on the Ingleborough Farm holding. 

Closing date for applications is 28th February, so apply now or let us know if we can help. 

Congratulations to the following organisations who have recently achieved the Code of Practice: 

• Jamie’s Farm, Wiltshire – Jamie’s Farm acts as a catalyst for change, enabling disadvantaged young people to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. 

• Sarah Urwin Therapy Services at Youngs Farm Devon – Sarah Urwin offers services such as Animal Assisted Therapy, Equine Assisted Therapy, Walk and Talk and Counselling Outdoors.

Completing the Code of Practice shows that your organisation meets the standards of commissioners, referral agencies and service users. You can use our Code of Practice logo and feature on our map of care farming services. There are also opportunities to promote your work.

If you'd like help with a Code application, book our next Code Q&A session on 2nd December.

Could you use your experience to help shape our organisation? Our AGM takes place on 22nd January 2022 and will include the election of new trustees.

We are seeking nominations from member organisations for individuals to join the Social Farms & Gardens Board from April 2022. We are also keen to encourage as many members as possible to apply to become voting members so that you can vote at the AGM.

If you are a main contact for an SF&G member organisation we'll be emailing you with the details. Alternatively, please get in touch with us to find out more.