The next in our 50 Voices series comes from Rufus Frost, who works in our Nethercott House farm team. He reflects on how his first visits to the farm during Covid helped him feel safe, valued and part of something – and how that experience shaped his journey from young visitor to full-time member of staff supporting others.
As I waved this week’s three minibus loads of children safely off on their way home to Cornwall, I took a moment in the sunshine to reflect on what Farms for City Children means to me. I can safely say that I absolutely empathise with each of our young visitors as I was in their shoes (or their wellies) just a few short years ago. And we know that the charity really is a big deal.
Feeling safe at Nethercott House
I first visited Nethercott House during Covid as a year 9 pupil, like so many, I was really struggling in mainstream school. I was lucky enough to have found an alternative provision but when the pandemic struck, we had nowhere to go or learn. Nethercott House was a safe place where it was possible for us to attend, because residentials had stopped. We came in our small ‘bubbles’, outside once a week, through each separate lockdown to learn about the farm and the land. It was here I began to feel safe and a sense of belonging. I began to grow slowly in confidence, something my mum noticed before I did.
Looking ahead
Time went on and life went back to ‘normal’ and I returned to secondary school with nothing on my mind other than trying to get through it. When I left, it felt like a weight had lifted but what next? I had absolutely no idea what to do or where to go… I knew first I needed to build myself and my confidence, before anything else.
Returning to the farm
My mum suggested we contact Katy, the Farm School Manager at Nethercott House, to see if there was any way I could return in some small way. My mum will always remember that phone call because despite it being years later, the team remembered me and agreed to meet us. We came for a tour and discussed me beginning as a volunteer here.
Growing in confidence as a volunteer
I began, just one day a week, at the age of seventeen as a farm and garden volunteer and I’ve never looked back. The Friday jobs were simple and achievable, but the team always told me these small jobs mean so much to the wider picture. My confidence grew. I was part of a team. I felt valued and it was a safe place to be; the environment, the list of jobs and the people!
It was a steady progression from there. As luck would have it, some hours became available as General Assistant to cover a staff member’s maternity leave, giving me the chance to learn the ropes across the farm, garden and house. I proved to myself that this was possible and that I could do it!
I’m proud to say that I now do all sorts of things from caring for the animals on the farm, harvesting in the garden and I really love working with the young people who visit because, as I say, I can really empathise with them. I’ve now moved into a full time role and I love it!
Being a part of the 50 year celebrations
It’s the charity’s 50th anniversary and its history is noticeable everywhere – I had an online audition for The National Youth Theatre the other day and the person taking it had visited Nethercott as a child! We could talk together about what it means to us both. I’m really proud that I’m a real part of it now.
And what I’d like to say to the young people who visit is to be hopeful for their future. I want them to know that places do exist that will value them and accept them and that they just have to believe.
Inspired by Rufus’ story? Our farm residentials give children and young people the chance to get stuck into real farm tasks, connect with nature, discover where food comes from and build confidence along the way. Explore our school and group visits and find out how to book.
