About Us at Amelia Trust Farm

The Amelia Trust Farm is set in 160 Acres of countryside in the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan. It offers a calming and therapeutic environment. The many people that make up the daily community of the farm include skilled staff and volunteers, young people who are discovering life, adults with learning difficulties in work placements and members of the public enjoying the countryside; it is a fantastic recipe that makes the Amelia Trust an amazing place to be.

The charity that was started with a great vision back in 1991 continues today as we seek to serve those who are disadvantaged, specifically young people aged 13-16 years who for many varied reasons struggle with their social development or cannot engage in traditional schooling pathways. They are referred to us through the education system, social services, youth services and youth offending teams.

Growing up is different for everyone, it is rarely easy and some will have a tougher time than others. The lives of our young people maybe affected by drug and alcohol use; their own or that of their carers. They may have a transient home life or be looked after in the care system. Some of our young people may have criminal records, a medical diagnosis that affects their behaviour, be mistreated, bullied or abused. Others maybe so painfully shy that they are unable to integrate. All of our young people, like so many adolescents are experiencing difficulties in life and we aim to support and value them through those difficulties whether they are feeling threatened, vulnerable, anxious or disadvantaged.

We see each young person as a valuable individual; working closely with the referrers we create an appropriate program of support and development that is specific to their needs. This may include learning a new skill, such as animal care and farming techniques, horse care or woodland management, construction, music, pottery or I.T. and they may go on to gain recognised qualifications in these areas. It may include learning life skills such as cooking and shopping or maybe communication skills and anger management.

The building of self esteem and self value is important if young people are to be pro-active in making good life choices therefore we aim for our young people to recognise themselves as valuable, as people with something positive to offer to society. Our hope is to provide a caring and supportive environment so young people will grow during their time with us and discover a future they can look forward to and enjoy.

We are a charity supported by many people who encourage us to continue with our work. We do not receive any core funding and so are very grateful to those who give of their time and resources to support the vulnerable and disadvantaged in our society.