National Lottery funding for Houghton charity Susan's Farm

Susan's Farm, an education and care farm based in Houghton, received the sum in recognition of its efforts and will use the money to fund its care farming and alternative provision schemes.

Susan Aglionby O.B.E started Susan's Farm as a charity in 2019 and is now one of the team of volunteers.

Susan's Farm is a working beef and lamb farm (Image: Supplied)

Counting six employees in total as well as a team of volunteers, the working beef and lamb farm offers an array of enriching experiences.

The funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, the UK's largest community funder, will aid the charity to provide 600 care farmer and 1,000 alternative provision sessions annually for the next four years.

Care farming days at Susan's Farm are attended by adults dealing with long-term mental health issues, who find solace in performing helpful farm jobs such as animal care.

Working on the farm is considered to encourage a sense of community and belonging.

Susan’s Farm also extends alternative provision places to three diverse student groups, including a long-term nurture group for children battling mental health issues like severe anxiety and eating disorders; a long-term group for students displaying behavioural troubles; and short-term interventions for pupils struggling with their mainstream education to help them develop alternative skills.

The funding will enable Susan's Farm to offer its activities into the future (Image: Supplied)

Fiona Merritt, chair of the trustees of Susan’s Farm, said: "This is great news for the farm.

"It's a great place to be for everyone - all the wonderful sessions the staff deliver, the activities, the farm itself, the food.

"We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way.

"Now, thanks to National Lottery players we will have core funding to ensure our services have a secure future.

"This is important because our services make a real difference."

Ms Aglionby said: "Very hard work has been well rewarded.

"Well done!"

In line with their recent strategy 'It starts with community', The National Lottery Community Fund aims to disburse at least £4 billion by 2030.

Its four key missions involve supporting communities to come together, promoting environmental sustainability, helping children and young people to flourish, and encouraging healthier lifestyles.

National Lottery players raise over £30 million weekly for good causes across the UK.

The National Lottery Community Fund distributed over half a billion pounds (£615.4 million) to communities last year.