SOLIHULL charity, The Family Care Trust, is competing against two global organisations -Microsoft and Haleon – for the prestigious Disability Smart Technology Award 2024 awarded by Business Disability Forum.
The Family Care Trust has been nominated for its virtual farm project, which was developed by their Newlands Bishop Farm site using Minecraft.
The charity enables 120 adults with mental health conditions and learning disabilities to participate in work-based learning.
Their learning includes crafts, horticulture, woodworking and animal husbandry, the latter particularly busy at the moment with new lambs making an appearance.
The virtual farm allows individuals to prepare for their learning and familiarise themselves with the farm ahead of their visits.
A number of the Project Workers helped to develop the project.
Jon Watts from The Family Care Trust said: “We found that people with some conditions may be apprehensive about being in unfamiliar surroundings, but by having a virtual tour they can see everything about the farm, from what they’ll be doing and who will be supporting them.
“It’s made a real difference particularly for new Project Workers.”
The winners of this year’s Disability Smart Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony on April 30.
The Family Care Trust Chief Executive, Danny Adams said: “Everyone associated with the charity was delighted to hear that a project aimed at making life easier for vulnerable adults has been nominated for this award and those involved in its development are especially excited.”
