You only need to set foot within Boscawen Farm to get the feeling that there’s something special about the place. It could be the stunning scenery. It could be the special combination of back-to-basics farming and Cornish culture. It could be the cheeky alpaca and ancient-breed sheep, keeping an eye on proceedings.

But we think it runs a little deeper than this. Boscawen Farm’s ambition is to provide work experience and learning opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autistic people. This isn’t about ‘help’ or ‘providing for’ people. This is about inspiring and equipping people with the confidence and skills to find their way in the world and connect with their local community. So, with a tight-knit community of staff, volunteers and people being supported with shared goals like these, it’s no wonder your spirit is lifted.

In 2023, United Response was grateful to receive funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and expand our work to include traditional Cornish crafts like hedge-laying, storytelling and wood-whittling. These activities open pathways for personal growth, mental wellbeing, and lifelong skills development.

New horizons through craft and connection

Andrew Blight, Project Manager shares some highlights:

“Candle making sessions are therapeutic and foster a calm experience.  The weighing of ingredients and selection of scents means that people bring their own preferences to the task whilst working on motor skill development. Mistakes happen, but they are part of the learning experience for staff and people supported alike.

“Wood whittling has also become a firm favourite. The rhythmic carving strokes improve strength and focus. Participants are provided with safety gloves, their own whittling knife and are taught to use three basic cutting strokes.  Whittling is a way to build skills, relax, enhance emotional wellbeing and create something tangible.”

Opportunities for all

Heritage crafts at Boscawen Farm offer inclusive opportunities for all. People taking part have a huge range of needs, some more complex than others. One of the joys that staff have found is that there are opportunities for everyone to get involved.

While some people attend with a prior interest, others have discovered hidden talents and have surprised themselves and others with their ability and what they’ve achieved.

As well as the short-term mental and physical benefits, the goal for everyone involved is to develop skills and confidence that will benefit them in the longer-term. Boscawen Farm, in all its variety, is a stepping stone towards other support in employment and life skills that will have a lifelong impact.

The Bigger Picture: Employment and Disability

Our work aligns with broader trends in improving employment outcomes for disabled people. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the disability employment rate in the UK reached 53.6% in Q2 2023—an increase of 10 percentage points since 2013. While this progress is promising, significant gaps remain compared to non-disabled employment rates, which stand at 82.5%. Challenges persist, particularly for with autistic people, people with intellectual disabilities, and mental health conditions.

Boscawen Farm is contributing to reducing these disparities by equipping those we support with the skills and confidence needed for meaningful engagement in work and community life. The farm’s holistic approach combines heritage, wellbeing, and opportunity to foster systemic change.

Get involved

There is something for everyone at Boscawen Farm, and we would love to get the community involved. Whether its staff, volunteers or people being supported to develop new skills, everyone brings something that makes Boscawen a special place full of hope for the future.