“Really enjoyed the trip to the farm. It was a great day out and was excellent for my mental health. Would love more trips similar to this.”

In June 2024 a group of 25 families, men’s group and older service users, set off for a day in the Dales visiting Lower Winskill Farm near Settle. We had provided I-Spy sheets for the children to use on the journey up to the farm. We were met by Farmer Tom and his gorgeous dog Beth and offered tea and coffee. A tour of the farm came next with a walk into the Hay meadow and then into the field next door to the Hay meadow to meet the sheep and lambs. After lunch we split into 2 groups some did crafts, making Memory Makers, while other’s braved the elements to build fires and toast marshmallows, pineapple dipped in brown sugar and smores. Water was boiled on another fire to make hot chocolate.

The weather was awful all day with heavy rain, but the feedback was fabulous and the rain did not deter from the enjoyment everyone had.

It was a very mixed group and so good to see people chatting and making new friends, all ages working together helping each other at points where accessibility to fields and across paths was a little more challenging. Families made new connections with other families and have continued to socialise together after the day trip.

Feedback from participants:

“The trip went really well, I enjoyed it the ladies where very nice to talk to and really funny, hopefully see you again for the next trip.”

“The farm visit was refreshing, informative educational, great staff brilliant outdoors and social time, the experience energised my wellbeing.”

“I’m writing to say a big thank you for inviting us to the spring day out on the 28th of May. Both myself and my Mum enjoyed the experience. The boys had a great time also and bragged for days how many marshmallow they had over the fire. The trip there was comfortable and my youngest was kept entertained as we were driving. The farm was fun and we enjoyed hearing about the meadow and its wild flowers. The kids enjoyed running around and made some new friends. My youngest had met one of the little boys a week earlier at Hyde Park so that was a pleasant surprise for him. We enjoyed seeing the sheep and lamb. My mum and I participated in the craft activity and made our own dream catcher which now proudly hangs at home. The kids enjoyed making the fire and being in the fields. They particularly enjoyed the roasted marshmallows and pineapple. We all had a lovely time. Thank you once again for inviting us.”