Diagrama Foundation has been awarded a grant from the East Grinstead Memorial Estate Ltd to help purchase vital new equipment for Duckyls Farm in East Grinstead. The farm supports adults with learning disabilities, autism, acquired brain injury, or physical and sensory impairments.
New Equipment Enhances Independence
The funding has been used towards the purchase of a Hyundai Mini Dumper Power Barrow. This motorised barrow will enable people attending Diagrama Community Services at Duckyls Farm to take a more active and independent role in day-to-day farm activities. Nearly 30 adults attend the service each week, participating in structured programmes that include animal care, growing produce, land management, cooking, crafts, and woodworking.
These activities are designed to build confidence, develop practical skills, and improve wellbeing through meaningful hands-on work in a rural environment.
Replacing Manual Wheelbarrows
The new motorised barrow will replace the use of a manual wheelbarrow for many tasks around the farm, including transporting compost, soil, tools, and clearing manure from fields. Duckyls Farm's heavy clay soil and uneven terrain can make pushing a loaded wheelbarrow physically difficult, particularly for people with mobility issues, reduced strength, or balance difficulties.
By reducing the physical demands of these tasks, the new equipment will enable more people to participate directly in farming activities safely and independently, rather than relying on staff assistance.
Community Support and Gratitude
Keri Strugnell, care farm and community manager for Diagrama Community Services at Duckyls Farm, said: "We are incredibly grateful to the East Grinstead Memorial Estate for supporting this project. The power barrow will make a huge difference to the people who attend our services by removing barriers to participation and helping them gain greater independence and confidence through practical farm work."
Phil Martin, grants and donations at East Grinstead Memorial Estate Ltd, said: "The projects undertaken at Duckyls Farm are clearly helping many in our community in and around East Grinstead. As a local charity ourselves, we felt Diagrama ticked all the boxes in terms of the type of community-based groups we aim to support and the very practical nature of the funding request. East Grinstead Memorial Estate Ltd is delighted to be able to contribute to the purchase of a motorised wheelbarrow, which promises to be a super addition to the farm."
About Duckyls Farm
Duckyls Farm, based on Selsfield Road near East Grinstead, is part of Diagrama Foundation, a UK-registered charity that supports vulnerable people to live fulfilling and independent lives through care, support, and community-based services. Alongside its day opportunities programme, Duckyls Farm also includes residential and supported living services for adults with learning disabilities.
To find out more about Duckyls Farm, visit their website. If you would like to support the Community Services at Duckyls Farm, you can help by purchasing an item from their Amazon Wishlist. Every contribution, big or small, helps enhance the daily lives of the people they support.
