A word from our founder, Hannah...
Christmas is almost here, and we are all wondering at The Nest - how on earth that happened!
It's been 34 weeks since we opened our doors for the first time back in April, and what a journey it has been, It's been such a privalage to work with young people who have come to The Nest and help them through some of the toughest times in their life.
It’s a (very) long time since I was a teenager, and the world has changed considerably. Now as a mother I don’t envy the world in which our young people have to grow up in. The pressures of growing up too soon, the damaging nature of social media, the sometimes-relentless bullying, and the lack of freedom and access to a safe world. But every week I am reminded of the strength that our young people have, the talent that they show when we get creative, and the passion for the simple things in life, like going for a walk or having a water fight!
I’m so proud, as I write this today, of how far we have come as a charity in such a short space of time. Some of the highlights of the last year include becoming a Suffolk County Council approved Alternative Provision, working with 6 local High Schools, and 1 primary school, purchasing and erecting A 60-foot polytunnel, getting our first non-farm animal, Bruce the bearded dragon and having our first fundraising marathon runner!
But as we grow and the team grows - we are able to offer more places to young people on the farm – but all that requires support. So if you are looking for a volunteering opportunity, harbouring a desire for a skydive, or feel the need to host a coffee morning, or cake sale, please do think of The Nest, and get in touch if you need any help with your fundraising or more info on volunteering.
The story of a lost piglet…
Keith is our most recent addition to our family of animals at The Nest!Here at The Nest, we have 1 pony, 2 donkeys, 5 goats, 1 pig, 1 piglet, 12 chickens, 8 ducks, 8 sheep, 9 rabbits, 2 guinea pigs and to top it off - 1 bearded dragon!
The most recent addition to The Nest, and one that has captured all of our hearts is our lovely piglet, Keith. Keith was found laying in a ditch having been tragically hit by a car when he was only about 1 week old. He was taken home by a couple who found him after the incident. The couple were not allowed to take him back to where he came from as he was outside of the perimeter of a commercial farm. The couple took care of Keith, kept him healthy in their kitchen for a couple of weeks whilst in the meantime, trying to find a proper home for him by contacting the RSPCA. Sadly, all of the companies the couple contacted in order to re-home Keith said that they would have to put him down.
At a last spark of hope, the couple got in contact with our farm manager Stephen, and asked if he could be of any help in finding a home for Keith.
On the Friday of the disastrous floods that occurred in Suffolk on 20th October, Keith arrived at The Nest and he has been with us ever since! Keith lives off a wonderfully high-fat diet of goats milk which is kindly donated to us by a local goat sanctuary.
We all think he is the most lovely, adorable little boar!
To wrap up on 2023, here is a story on our amazing fundraiser, Kev
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Kevin has raised over 3k for The Nest Farms by running a marathon around Woodbridge back in September 2023.
“In living with grief and specifically trying to come to terms with losing someone to suicide I've learnt that there is great value in being open and honest with yourself and those around you.”
Kev
Kevin is aware of mental health and how it can take its toll having experienced anxiety and tragically losing his younger sister Rhianna to suicide 10 years ago.
“I want to create an environment where no one ever feels that taking their own life is the best option available to them. I don't know how to do that, but the people at The Nest Farms in Suffolk have some great ideas that I believe will make a difference. So I am doing what I can to help them in their endeavours.”
Kev
Kevin organised his fundraiser to raise awareness for The Nest Farms charity as well as to remember Rhianna, and mark how far his family have come in coming to terms with grief and acceptance of the tragedy.
“Hopefully, we can help other families who are facing the challenges of supporting young people who are struggling with their mental health and the young people themselves.”
Kev
You can read in more detail of Kevin’s inspiring story of how he prepared himself to take on the challenge and how he is managing as well as gaining more awareness of his own mental health by clicking the link below.
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We wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
Hannah and the team at The Nest x
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