A unique farm service may soon be helping to fill a much-needed gap in north-east respite care.
The Buchan Community Farm is a not-for-profit social enterprise which gives people with learning difficulties or mental health issues the chance to relax and build their confidence in a countryside setting.
Based at a 49-acre farm in Maud, the farm has gradually increased in size since it opened in 2016.
Now, a planning application to build four cabins and a riding school has been approved meaning the service can be extended to offer a respite retreat.
Pamela Roberts is manager and one of the six directors of the social enterprise, but used to work alongside community charities and as an occupational therapist.
She said: “The cabins have been a long-term goal spanning from work I used to do.
“I remember going to see a lady who was really down as her respite had been cancelled.
“We could fill the farm with cabins and there would still be more need for respite places.”
The facility was given a grant and used the money to carry out a feasibility study to find out if there was a demand for respite facilities.
Mrs Roberts said: “Just one organisation could fill our four cabins for a year with people needing the time to relax in a peaceful, safe and non-judgmental environment.
“We showed the figures to the Aberdeenshire Council planning department, explaining just how much of a need there is and we’re so pleased the plans have been approved.”
Mrs Roberts applied for the all-weather horse-riding school, so their visitors could learn to ride after being taught the necessary skills.
She said: “Working with animals is good for building confidence and self-esteem, so we start with ground work so that people can gain confidence with the horse.
“You create a bond with the animal before riding it, learning stable management and how to lead before actually riding.
“We do the Monty Roberts technique where you get the horse to accept you as its leader, gain its trust and it will follow you around.
“Now it’s been going for a few years, more people would like to ride them, so we applied for the arena.
“We’re never going to be a public riding school but we’re hoping next year we can start the riding side for the people who come here.”
