Read about the success one of our Roots To Work program members has found since starting at Bath City Farm…
It began with a Team Day, then Roots to Work in Conservation, then employment…
I had initially joined Roots to Work, as it seemed like something that could give me a chance to build up skills. It turned out to be a great avenue that helped me with my mental health during a tricky time. Without it, the past year would have been very different. It’s a great place to boost your mental health – and now I have a paid job!
A family member had come to the farm to do a Team Day with his colleagues, and spotted a poster about Roots to Work. He suggested it to me, as at that point I wasn’t really doing anything, just getting bored at home. But I initially said no. I started volunteering in a charity shop to keep me out of the house and active. But then decided to go to the farm, as I saw it as a good way to get outside, and a chance to meet people.
During school, I experienced mental health problems and was labelled with ‘psychosis’. I wasn’t well enough to go to university, and my school grades were not as good as they could have been. Therefore, I left school with not much. I got a job and then ended up in hospital with poor mental health twice. I therefore became ‘NEET’.
I joined Roots to Work in Conservation and learned lots about perennial plants, crested newts and gardening skills. I hadn’t had any experience working outdoors before, but the program brought the beginnings of me knowing that I want an ‘outdoors’ job. My new landscaping role is the perfect fit for me, really satisfying and rewarding. Coming to the farm and gardening made me realised I could one day translate what I loved doing into a paid role.
It truly was a root/route to work! Because I got this job quickly, there was a career incentive. The program ran its course and I got to a point where I was ready to move on to work. It was nice being in a group who were all in the same boat together, all working at our own pace, with support in place.