About Us

Haylands Farm occupies approximately sixteen acres of land on the outskirts of Ryde, of which Isle of Wight Mencap, the parent organisation owns just under one acre. Supported almost entirely by donations of money, manpower and materials, the farm has grown into a day centre unit recognised and welcomed by the Isle Of Wight County Council.

History

Haylands Farm was opened in 1976 by two parents who were concerned about the occupational future of their children. With great courage, they bought Haylands Farm. At the time, it was just a tumbledown farmhouse standing in an acre of mud, where the only crop was thistles. Soon the families joined forces with Isle Of Wight Mencap, the local community became involved, more and more people with learning disabilities wanted to work there and the Haylands Farm project was born. It was in 1977 Isle Of Wight Mencap took it over the farm as a small day unit for a group of young school leavers

Present

Haylands Farm can never be financially self supporting. Care and therapy are the guiding principals by which the farm carries out its day-to-day running, Nurturing an environment in which people can fulfil their potential. Work and therefore output, has to be geared to the ability of the slowest student. Income from the production has to be of a secondary consideration, but a consideration none the less. The students take great pride in their achievements and know that they are making a worthwhile contribution to the success of the Farm.

There 8 members of support staff who work along side the students, with these members of staff we are able to give a ratio of 1:5 support. With each member of staff working on different areas of the farm we are able to provide a variety of activities for the students to gain skills with support.

We have a training/recreational unit, which provides a valuable work/study space where students can learn new skills. This includes a recreation and socializing area containing a pool table, television/hi-fi unit where they can relax during breaks.

There is a work/study area within the hall where they can do indoor work such as IT training, and is used when the weather makes it impossible to work outside, and a large kitchen where basic cooking skills can be taught.

All these tasks prove useful in advancing life skills and community bonding. Though the prime objective of Haylands Farm must always be a sheltered and safe environment for the less able.

Opening Times

We are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm, for details on how to contact us please visit our contact page.

Produce we sell

Haylands Farm prides itself in producing quality goods to our customers. Here are some of the goods which we have to offer:

• We currently sell free range eggs to the public.
• We have a bric a brac shop on site.
• We have a variety of plants and shrubs, winter and summer bedding plants.
• We produce fresh vegetables in the season, potatoes, runner beans, tomatoes, peppers, etc.
• We have a selection of herbs and vegetable plants for sale.

Our 2011 price list is available to download:

Price List 2011 [PDF, 888k]