‘Be Wild’ programme launched to support families within rural Derry

Gortilea Social Farm in Claudy have launched their ‘Be Wild’ programme.

The initiative is designed to provide vital wellbeing support to rural families residing in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area through the use of horses and the environment.

This programme is funded through Derry City and Strabane District Council’s PEACEPLUS Local Co-Designed Action Plan and falls under the ‘Thriving and Peaceful Communities’ theme.

Speaking at the launch event, Deputy Mayor, Darren Guy recognised the fantastic engagement of rural communities with PEACEPLUS and said: “I’m delighted to see the reigns of the project in the good hands of Gortilea Social Farm. This PEACEPLUS funded project will enable 138 participants to take part for free in a cross-community programme of equine and nature facilitated learning. Participants will be drawn from very diverse identities and will have an opportunity to build relationships and trust, creating and sustaining friendships. It’s great to see EU PEACE funding meeting local needs.”

Clare McMonagle (Occupational therapist/ Director of Gortilea Social Farm CIC) opened the programme launch with an overview of the proposed delivery to include opportunities for individuals to engage in activities with others encouraging connection, diversity, equality and acceptance.

The interventions will be delivered through a community centred model and will include Universal, Targeted and Specialist interventions with horses and the natural environment at the centre with the aim of meeting the needs of the entire community.

“There will be lots of opportunities for families to take part in outdoor learning with animals and the environment in the Claudy and Faughan area. The project aims to support a minimum of 138 beneficiaries over a 2-year period. Anyone who would like to hear more and potentially get involved can contact us via our email gortileasocialfarm@outlook.com”

Sue Divin (Programme manager PEACE) said: “The PEACEPLUS Board and Derry City and Strabane District Council are delighted to be able to fund the Be Wild project under our PEACEPLUS Action Plan.

“During the co-design process where rural communities voiced their priorities and ideas, many people spoke of the need for outdoor, family-based projects that could be accessed by people of all abilities to improve their physical and mental wellbeing and to learn about nature and environment. The Be Wild project is a £95,760 investment into the Faughan area for cross-community programmes on those themes.”