Shanco Contracts has recently helped to build two new facilities at a community care farm, which will help improve accessibility for its members.

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Living Potential, near Wetherby, offers vulnerable people a variety of activities, work experience and qualifications in a supportive environment based on a working farm.

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As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the farm is planning a gradual re-opening for its members and putting systems in place to enable social distancing. Castleford-based Shanco has helped by constructing a concrete ramp to the kitchens and learning room, which will provide a safe one-way access system suitable for wheelchairs.

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The project follows the installation of a fully accessible compost toilet, which was completed before the lockdown restrictions were enforced. Shanco installed the pre-cast concrete settling tanks for the facility which was built above ground, rather than under, to allow for wheelchair access from the existing raised patio. Volunteers from the company completed the unit, assembling the side panels and roof and fitting the toilet and urinal as well as grab rails, hooks and soap dispensers.

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Declan Armour from Shanco said: “We were recommended to Living Potential through community links. It’s an amazing local charity helping people with disabilities connect with nature, so we were keen to show our support. The new facilities will make a big difference to all members, especially those with mobility needs, so it’s great to see them now ready to use.

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“We hope that we can continue to support the organisation as it expands its membership and experiences.”

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Tanya Bish from Living Potential Care Farming comments: “Living Potential Care Farming are very grateful to Shanco Contracts for providing the foundations to the accessibility toilet – it is down by the fishing ponds, allotment and hen coops and is therefore, without this facility, it is quite a trek back for our members, with or without mobility issues.

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We have recently started to collaborate with Over the Rainbow dementia care and it will benefit their clients too as they join in with the animal care and other activities. It will also be beneficial once we have the alpacas and we are taking them for walks around the meadow and farm fields.

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The extra ramp in the courtyard will mean we can safely have a one-way system for all members of the farm team, connecting the art rooms and kitchens with the learning rooms. The volunteers at Shanco have put in extra time with diligence and hardwork, friendship and commitment to providing people with additional needs to get the most out of their time at Carlshead Farm. “

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Living Potential is based at Carlshead Care Farm. It helps people of all ages to reach their potential by using the living resources of the farm, enabling them to improve health and fitness and gain confidence.

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Reflecting its invaluable support, the charity has recently helped one young man find direction and purpose in the Coronavirus disruption. Member Joseph Port has launched a website to sell Living Potential merchandise throughout the lockdown period.

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Visit Living Potential's website here: www.livingpotentialcarefarming.org.uk