At Dedham Therapy Farm, the rustling of animals and the rhythm of outdoor work are doing what classrooms and clinics sometimes can't. A £1,000 grant from Grassroots in 2025 has meant that even more families can find their way here. Children and young people with diagnoses spanning autism spectrum disorder (ASD), pathological demand avoidance (PDA), ADHD and a wide range of other developmental needs can face daily barriers in forming relationships, building routines, developing fine and gross motor skills and managing their emotions in unpredictable environments. Traditional clinical settings don't always work for them. But something changes when there are animals to tend, soil to dig, and a pace of life set by the seasons. Young people, referred to as farm assistants, typically attend on a weekly basis. Every session is purposefully planned. Goals are drawn up collaboratively, pulling together information from the young person themselves, their family, their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), and any other services involved in their care. Activities are then tailored to meet those goals, whether that's practising a particular physical skill, building confidence in a group, or simply establishing the kind of positive routine that forms the bedrock of daily life. Many of those referred are funded by their local authority or school. But around half of all attendees are self-funding. Families are paying out of their own pockets for a service their child genuinely needs and the farm has worked hard to keep those fees as low as possible, knowing how stretched household budgets are right now. The grant amount is modest but the impact is direct and personal. 'It is lovely to see them building relationships with staff and peers and hearing them laugh. Often the farm is the only place they attend in the week.' Dedham Therapy Farm team Our thanks go to everyone at the Farm for their hard work and achievements. Website: www.dedhamtherapyfarm.org Facebook: Dedham Therapy Farm

How Our £1,000 Grant Helped The Maze Group Make a Real Difference

Grassroots had a brilliant time at the CVST Christmas Market in Clacton on 15th November 2025. Thank you to everyone who supported our stall and to the organisers. Merry Christmas.

Celebrating Community Spirit: Grassroots Charity AGM Highlights Local Impact 

Stepping Stones Play and Learn Group put grant to good use

Trauma awareness training transforms organisation

In February 2020 Grassroots gave £1000 to Tendring community Voluntary Services towards getting their Dovercourt Community Allotment up and running. The community allotment has been a life line for residents over recent days and weeks. Although the site has only been used by a few people during covid-19, the benefits to those people have been life changing. One said “without the allotment to visit life could have been much harder. I don’t know how I would have coped”. Members who have been shielding have been painting stones to label the vegetables whilst at home. This has given everyone things to do even if they have not been physically able to attend the site.

A new grant making Trust has been launched helping community and voluntary organisations operating in Essex and Suffolk.

The Victorian Christmas Market proved a festive hit once again and Grassroots' trustees raised £131 by raffling delicious Christmas Hampers. A big thank you to all who took part.