LOCAL CHARITY OFFERS THE CHANCE TO SPONSOR AND MEET THE ANIMALS ON ITS 19-ACRE FARM

A regional autism charity is offering the chance to sponsor and meet the animals on its farm, while supporting the charity and the people it supports too.

Autism Together has been providing specialist care to autistic people for over 55 years, with a range of services across Wirral and into West Cheshire.

The charity’s expansive rural site at Raby, near Bromborough, includes a 19-acre farm where over 80 animals live, offering a range of important and enjoyable activities for autistic adults accessing the charity’s services.

The farm animals – which include alpacas, pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, turkeys, chickens, and guinea pigs – have long been popular with supporters following their antics on the charity’s social media pages.

Now, Autism Together is offering people the chance to become a ‘Friend of the Farm’, through sponsoring their favourite animals, finding out more about them through regular updates, and even having the chance to meet their animal by visiting the farm in person.

Chloe Jones, Fundraising Officer at Autism Together, said:

“We’re thrilled to be launching ‘Friends of the Farm’ this spring, giving supporters the chance to learn more about our funny and friendly animals, and support the important work we do on the farm.

“Those sponsoring a farm animal will see 100% of their annual fee go directly towards our farm and animal care, for the likes of food, shelter, and vet bills.

“In return, our sponsors will receive a Certificate of Sponsorship, a photo postcard from their animal, a quarterly newsletter, and the opportunity to attend a Volunteer Day to help out on the farm and meet your animal.”

Autism Together Farm is a major part of the charity’s day service provision, providing a range of therapeutic and skill-enhancing activities for people accessing the services.

Many of the animals in the charity’s menagerie were donated, sometimes due to people not being able to care for them any longer or because they were getting old. All of them are named by people the charity supports.

Claire Quinlan, Activity Manager at Autism Together Farm, explains:

“Our staff working on the farm do an amazing job, both in supporting autistic adults and looking after the needs of our friendly farm animals.

“Autism Together Farm is vital in helping the people we support gain new skills and confidence by helping look after our different animals.

“Individuals accessing our farm find they get lots of fresh air and exercise, with different tasks to undertake each day and throughout the year; while spending time petting and feeding animals can be very therapeutic for many autistic people.”

All details about Friends of the Farm at Autism Together are available on the charity’s dedicated webpage: 

autismtogether.co.uk/friends-of-the-farm/

Find out more about Autism Together, their staff, and services at the charity’s website:

autismtogether.co.uk

...and Facebook page:

facebook.com/AutismtogetherUK

Pictured - Launching Friends of Autism Together Farm (left to right) Claire Quinlan, Activity Manager at Autism Together Farm; Henry, one of the people supported by Autism Together at the farm; Chloe Jones, Fundraising Officer at Autism Together – surrounded by the farm’s friendly alpacas.