The Houghton Project
Begun in October 2003, the Houghton Project was inspired by the work that project leader Tim James-Moore undertook in Bristol with a scheme of city farms.This rural farm was used to benefit and enrich the lives of many people who are often referred to as the fringe groups in society. These included people with physical and learning disabilities, the unemployed and people being reintroduced to living in society under the New Deal Initiative.
The vocational courses on offer were:
Entry Level 2 and Entry Level 3
- Preparing for Work
- Horticulture
- Agricultural Animals
- Poultry
- Conservation
- Animal Care
- Retail
Accompanying these courses, the following support facilities were available:
- Sheltered work placements
- Individual study support
- Counselling
- Specialist staff experienced in all aspects of training provision
At the farm, the focus was placed on enabling people to realise their strengths, therefore encouraging them to reclaim some personal power. The therapeutic working environment also helped the students to develop personal motivation, understand the basic principles of industrial practice through work involvement, and gain an understanding of health, safety and appropriate behaviour in a variety of work and social contexts.
The Houghton Farm transformed itself with a new meeting room/kitchen; an office dedicated to the project; a dairy room; a minibus, many constructed buildings for the animals and an organic vegetable garden.
Tim James-Moore & Jennifer Haste
Tel: (01568) 797900
Email: tim@houghtonproject.co.uk
Website: http://www.houghtonproject.co.uk/