At age 14, Riley visited Jamie’s Farm in 2020 alongside other children in care. Riley’s relationship with formal education was strained, resulting in multiple exclusions. Large classrooms and rigid rules overwhelmed Riley’s sensory needs, whilst having little room to process the turmoil of living in care.
At the farm Riley flourished. He felt “free” being outdoors, helping him to open up without fear of judgement. While supporting hands-on with lambing, his natural talent and passion for animal care became clear. Riley displayed an incredible work ethic and embraced every challenge with enthusiasm.
Riley returned to the farm twice more through our day visit program at a time when residential visits weren’t permitted due to the pandemic. With a renewed determination to shape his future, Riley successfully applied to the Jamie’s Farm apprenticeship scheme. Since September 2023, Riley has become an integral member of the front-line team.
Now, as a young person on staff, he provides a unique perspective and understanding that resonates with visiting young people. He is embracing his return to education, working towards his English GCSE and Level 3 Outdoor Education Instructor qualification – a milestone he is hugely proud of.
With Riley set to qualify in early 2025, Jamie’s Farm is thrilled that his journey with us will continue. As a member of our Youth Committee, Riley’s invaluable experience and insight will help shape the charity’s development.
Riley says:
“I never did well at school, and I don’t know where else I would have got a job – I can’t see myself working indoors. The apprenticeship is giving me experience and a qualification, but also at 18 years old, I feel it’s helping me become an adult. I’ve learned about who I am today and what I want to do going forward. I can see I have a future now, hopefully working with animals or an organisation that helps young people. I never had that before. It has changed my life.
Coming back to the farm in a different position and sharing your experience with other young people is very special. Some children feel like it is wrong to be or act in a certain way, but every young person is different. Meeting people I know who may not have had the best start, well, I feel I can relate to that. I can still find things on the farm hard – the hike kills my legs – but together we can get it done.
The changes young people make at Jamie’s Farm in the way they think, their confidence – it’s unreal. More people need to know about places like this and how much Jamie’s Farm can do for children. It’s incredible.”
Photos: (Right) Riley age 14, during his first visit to Jamie’s Farm, and (left) now age 18, as an Apprentice and Youth Champion.
