able hands together
Stoford
Having worked in social care since college, Able Hands Together Founder Laura
Tween focussed her work on adults with learning disabilities. After completing
her law degree it soon became apparent that the average office environment
wasn’t the space for her. She became a social care consultant, and it was
through this work that she found her creative energy and passion for community
projects was highly suited to being a social entrepreneur. Whilst delivering
social care, Laura found that most therapeutic activities for people, like
cinema or bowling, were entirely non-skills building. Laura wanted to create an
offering where they could learn new skills, build their independence and work on
emotional well-being simultaneously. A therapeutic farm service ticked all these
boxes. Able Hands Together was established in 2015. The role of the Co-Farmer
was soon born, to assist with day to day farm work, building employability,
interpersonal skills, independence, and self esteem. Both staff and Co-Farmers
work together to care for the animals, & plan and maintain the smallholding to
make the most of the growing season. We have just had the exciting news that
Able Hands Together has been approved as an Alternative Education Centre by
Wiltshire County Council for Co-Farmers aged 18 and over. Laura is immensely
proud of Able Hands Together and welcomes you to get in touch. Jason Rhodes
Jason Rhodes Director Jason is the Managing Director of Commercial Business at
Nottingham Trent University. Jason brings a wealth of business knowledge and
advice to Able Hands Together. Jake Tween Jake Tween Director Jake interprets
Government Policies on Education to ensure that the advice given by Able Hands
Together is of a high standard. He also serves as a great consultant when it
comes to the boring paperworky stuff. Nicolette Ann Shears-White Team Member Nic
has worked at Able Hands Together for a number of years now and is proud to have
a close working relationship with all the Co-Farmers. Having previously been a
social worker, Nic is well connected with Hampshire based learning disability
professionals and is very knowledgeable about safeguarding and rights. She
promotes our Co-Farmers’ independence and works with a skills based approach
with our clients. Carl Anderson Carl Anderson Team Member Carl is an ex-member
of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces. He brings a wealth of skills-based services to
the farm. If something needs to be built, Carl’s the man to do it! Our
Co-Farmers love helping him to construct and build everything, from goat gates
to raised vegetable beds. All staff that support our Co Farmers have DBS checks,
are employed with their employment history and references checked. They are
trained in safeguarding, Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity. Staff
receive ongoing supervision and have access to further training.
