麻豆社

For three generations, Rob Addicott鈥檚 family have always wanted their Somerset farm to be accessible and welcoming to the local community. When he met his wife Suzanne, who had a background in working with people with addiction and homelessness problems, they decided they wanted Manor Farm to do, and be more.

In collaboration with Connect Community Church in Wells, the old Dairy House was converted into the area鈥檚 only direct access homeless hostel. Rural homelessness is often a hidden problem in the countryside, and it can be hard to find and access support. Dairy House residents receive accommodation and wholistic support within 2,000 acres of farmland, woodland and orchards. It receives core funding from the local authority. They can also learn skills in growing, gardening, animal care and woodwork with partner project, Root Connections. Their produce is sold direct to the local community through veg boxes, and used for meals in the communal hostel kitchen.

In this programme, Marie Lennon meets Rob and Suzanne, as well as speaking to service users and hostel staff.

Produced and presented by Marie Lennon