A Journey of Growth: L’s Story with Farm for Health

We are happy to share this article, written by Katie Daw, our Farm for Health Coordinator, about the success of a Farm for Health.participant.

A young person from Surrey is celebrating a significant personal achievement after winning a photography competition through Surrey Young Farmers, a success that began with her involvement in the Farm for Health project, run by the Surrey Hills Society.

L first joined Farm for Health at a time when her mental health, confidence, and trust in others were at a very low point.

 

Following a difficult period that included severe school-related trauma, everyday situations felt overwhelming and social engagement was extremely challenging. Her self-belief had been knocked, and she found it hard to feel safe in new environments or with unfamiliar adults.

One constant, however, was her love of animals.

After coming across an article about farm-based wellbeing support, L’s mum reached out to the Farm for Health team to explore whether the project could offer a safe and supportive space. After taking time to understand L’s background and needs, she was carefully matched with a local farm where she could engage at her own pace.

Farm for Health provides structured visits on working farms, offering a calm, non-clinical environment away from everyday pressures. Participants are never forced to join in or speak, and activities are adapted to suit individual needs, allowing trust and confidence to develop naturally.

From her early visits, L began to feel comfortable on the farm. She later described the experience in her own words:
“They are nice and friendly and don’t force you to join in or talk.”
“They treat me with respect and don’t shout or make me feel uncomfortable.”
“I really look forward to going.”

One particular visit became a defining moment. After spending the afternoon herding cows, watching the milking process, and riding across the fields on the back of a quad bike, L told her mum she had had “one of the best afternoons ever.” Importantly, she felt safe enough to remain on the farm without her mum present — something that had not been possible for several years.

During that visit, L asked one of the farmers, Nellie, whether tractors were easy to drive, explaining that she would love to get her tractor licence when she turns 16. Nellie responded by offering an impromptu tractor-driving lesson. This moment of trust and encouragement had a huge impact, leaving L “on cloud nine” for days afterwards and taking the first tangible steps towards a long-held dream.

Building on her growing confidence, L decided to join Surrey Young Farmers, which Nellie helps to run. For someone who finds social situations extremely challenging, this was a brave and significant step. Although attending has not been easy and she has not yet stayed for full meetings, L has shown real determination — continuing to go, pushing herself, and refusing to give up despite anxiety.

This is the first social group L has attended independently, marking an important milestone in her journey.
Through Young Farmers, L entered a photography competition focused on farming and agriculture. With support, she visited several working farms to photograph different milking parlours, capturing the contrast between traditional hand milking, abreast systems, and modern robotic milking.

Her entry, titled “Three Generations of Milking,” went on to win first prize in her class at the Surrey Young Farmers indoor rally.

The win represents far more than a competition success. It reflects L’s resilience, commitment, and the confidence she continues to build. Where once she struggled to step into new environments, she is now pursuing her interests, entering competitions, and being recognised for her creativity and effort.

Inspired by her time on the farm, L is now hoping to study agriculture at college next year — something that previously felt out of reach. Her mum describes the Farm for Health project as invaluable, saying it has helped give L back her enjoyment, her sense of purpose, and the belief that she can move forward.

 

Stories like L’s highlight the importance of calm, nature-based mental health support. By offering safe, respectful experiences on working farms, the Farm for Health project is helping young people reconnect with themselves, their interests, and their future.

Katie Daw

 Farm for Health Coordinator,

Surrey Hills Society