Magdalen Farm has worked with children over many years who are now transitioning into adulthood. Parents are telling us that their teenagers/young adults are facing many additional challenges and that there is a gap in gaining skills to live more independently. So, Magdalen has come up with a programme called Growing Independence for teenagers/young adults with autism and other learning disabilities, living in Somerset or Dorset (excluding BCP area). We are pleased to announce that Magdalen has received funding from Somerset Community Foundation to run a pilot programme over 2 years, and from Dorset Council (not BCP) for additional places for young people from Dorset this summer.

Growing Independence will teach independent living skills to 10 teenagers/young adults (14yrs – 25yrs from Dorset or Somerset) who, given the right support, have a chance at living semi-independently as adults.

Magdalen ran one residential in the summer of 2021 and the next one is the 8th – 10th August 2022 lasting for three days and two nights. One parent/carer will stay overnight to support their teenager/young adult but they will not play an active part in the programme. Both the teenager place and the adult/carer place is FREE.

Additionally, the whole family can stay and have their own break whilst their teenager/young adults is having fun gaining skills. Families can go off to the Jurassic coast or stay on the farm relaxing, it’s up to you.  Just be back at for 5:30 for supper which will be cooked by the teenagers. Additional family places will cost £20 per person per night. A bedroom will be provided for each family and if we are able, we will provide teenage dorms.

Specialist Magdalen staff will be teaching the teenagers/young people:

·         Cooking – cooking healthy, nutritious meals from cheap, sustainable ingredients.

·         Cleaning  - cleaning their own rooms and communal areas.

·         Laundry – using the washing machine.

·         Gardening – simple grow-your-own skills.

We expect the teenagers/young people to:

·         Have fun

·         Gain self-awareness and skills

·         Contribute to the farm by looking after the farm animals

·         Make friends and socialise

·         Gain tolerance in accepting differences.