Therapeutic use of farming practices to reduce homelessness
By John Harrison, 2021
Fellow’s Profile
Fellow’s Profile
Therapeutic use of farming practices to reduce homelessness
Using farms to support wellbeing and create employment for homeless people
2019
North East
I am the Community Manager of Emmaus North East and a Trustee of Emmaus UK.
In 2019 I undertook a Fellowship to investigate how farming and the natural environment could be harnessed, supporting those experiencing homelessness and as a progression route. The purpose was to explore best practice and policies, to inform how those who are excluded can reconnect, engage, and discover purpose and meaning.
The natural environment has always provided support and a place to reconnect for myself and I wanted to discover more about this restorative process. Prior to working in homelessness I was engaged in farming and wanted to see if the two sectors could be linked in a practical way to benefit both.
On returning from my Fellowship I am actively exploring how I can establish a project in the north east of England that incorporates the environment, work and community in supporting people to heal and grow. The Fellowship allowed me to take time out from quite a stressful role to investigate an area I believe can have major benefits to individuals, but also the natural environment as we only truly value what we know.
John Harrison (CF 2019), founder of Solidarity Farm CIC, has been awarded a Shackleton Foundation grant. Initiated with the support of one of the Fellowship's Activate grant, Solidarity Farm offers transformative programmes for vulnerable children and young people.
By John Harrison, 2024
By John Harrison, 2022
All Reports are copyright © the author. The moral right of the author has been asserted. The views and opinions expressed by any Fellow are those of the Fellow and not of the Churchill Fellowship or its partners, which have no responsibility or liability for any part of them.
John Harrison (CF 2019), founder of Solidarity Farm CIC, has been awarded a Shackleton Foundation grant. Initiated with the support of one of the Fellowship's Activate grant, Solidarity Farm offers transformative programmes for vulnerable children and young people.
By John Harrison, 2024
By John Harrison, 2022
All Reports are copyright © the author. The moral right of the author has been asserted. The views and opinions expressed by any Fellow are those of the Fellow and not of the Churchill Fellowship or its partners, which have no responsibility or liability for any part of them.