About us
History
According to Ordnance Survey maps from the mid 1800s, what we call Pathways was originally Brick Kiln Farm and it occupied 120 acres. During the 20th century the name changed to Pleasurewood Farm and was subsequently acquired by Suffolk County Council who rented the land to tenant farmers – latterly, the Cooper family.
In 1985, Geffrey Cooper, who had farmed the land since his father Percy died in 1977, gave up the tenancy. For the next 29 years the site was unused and became derelict… until Pathways took it on in 2014 and started the sizeable job of clearing brambles, fixing roofs and creating paddocks and a market garden.
Pathways is born
In April 2016 Pathways was able to accept their first farm workers (service users)… two people attended in that first week. Over the following years the number of people being supported has grown to more than 60 each week.
Not only have numbers increased but the opportunities available to referrals have also grown dramatically as the charity has improved the soil, increased the livestock, and built workshops, studios, and a café. These changes have boosted productivity and opened up new roles and learning opportunities.
Pathways is born
In April 2016 Pathways was able to accept their first farm workers (service users)… two people attended in that first week. Over the following years the number of people being supported has grown to more than 60 each week.
Not only have numbers increased but the opportunities available to referrals have also grown dramatically as the charity has improved the soil, increased the livestock, and built workshops, studios, and a café. These changes have boosted productivity and opened up new roles and learning opportunities.
The ethos
Pathways’ vision ‘To create a world where everyone is valued as themselves’ is outworked by supporting adults who live with mental ill-health, learning difficulties, brain injury or dementia. The work of growing plants and looking after animals has always been important, but helping people know they are valued is paramount in order to allow them the dignity they deserve.
Despite the changes to infrastructure and personnel this person-centred ethos has remained constant. It now has a name, ‘Embracing Difference’, and it is the heartbeat of the charity.
“I can’t believe the difference that’s happened in just three months. When I came here I was a mess but I was treated as a real person and had to get used to people telling me how helpful or skillful I was… I wasn’t used to that – but it does make you feel good.”
“I don’t know what would have happened to me if it wasn’t for this place. Nobody judges you here which is massive. It’s a beautiful farm with great animals but most of all, the people are so nice.”