Harmony Heroes volunteer at EAQ Manor Farm

Harmony Foundation were delighted this week to kick off with their first volunteering day of 2021 for EAQ Manor Farm in Stocklinch, Somerset.

The team of 12 volunteers were all chomping at the bit to get involved, despite the unseasonably wet and windy weather.

Harmony Foundation is Harmony Fire’s charity, focused on inspiring new generations, fostering our values, supporting communities, and improving social mobility.

EAQ Manor Farm fits perfectly with the charity’s ethos. EAQ is an outdoor and equine-assisted learning centre set in 12 acres of beautiful Somerset countryside. Welcoming those of all ages seeking acceptance, connection and nurture, personal growth, and recovery. Post COVID centres like these are important to help getting people back out there in the world that is ever so slightly different from the normal.

With a small but perfectly formed team managing the upkeep of the farm, running day to day sessions, and giving the animals much needed attention Harmony reached out to the farm to see if they needed any help with getting a few jobs ticked off the list.

The team headed on down with wet gear on and were split into 2 safe groups of 6. Digging beds, planting new trees, painting the indoor arena and making a start on the ‘Garden of the Future’ were the jobs the team threw themselves into. The team were well looked after by Ian and the EAQ team, and enjoyed learning more about how the horses support helping children and adults with their personal development

Ian Roberts, Director & DSL of EAQ Manor Farm
“A huge thankyou to the volunteering team from Harmony Fire who spent the day with us on 20th May. During the day, and despite the often horizontal rain, they all worked tirelessly planting native English tree saplings in our Wellness Garden, re-painting the inside walls of our arena and installing posts for the perimeter fencing of our new Growing for the Future Garden.”

David Fenton, Marketing Director
“It was great to be outdoors, working as a team and having fun despite the horrible weather. Ultimately, we are helping children to have a learning / social experience so it’s great to contribute to the greater good! The hosts were very welcoming and hospitable and really looked after us very well! I really enjoyed getting to work with other members of the team that you don’t normally work with. I think individually and as a team, everybody should feel that we accomplished a lot!”

EAQ Manor Farm are doing amazing work in the community and Harmony feel humbled that they could help shape the future for the farm and the future of the children, young adults and adults who depend on the centre.