Farm facility is put on the map (From Barry And District News)

Farm facility is put on the map

ONE OF Barry's most vital community resources was given a huge boost to its profile when it was visited by a Welsh Assembly Minister.

Carwyn Jones, from the department of environment, planning and countryside, changed into waterproof leggings and walking boots for a short tour around part the 160-acre Amelia Trust Farm project.

The visit was organised by Environment Wales, which helps fund the farm.

Methodist minister the Reverend John Stacey Marks outlined the aims and objectives of the project.

He said: "This project is used extensively.

"We have school parties here regularly and our volunteers can be referred to us by many bodies, including social services and the youth offending team.

"We are constantly reminded of the life-changes this place can affect. Just last week we had one young man visit us.

"He came first when he was a teenager and is now 25-years-old.

"The farm had such a profound effect on him that he now wants to come back to help other disadvantaged youngsters."

The project aims to train young people in different skills, from farming to pottery and carpentry. But it is also there to give them a sense of achievement that many have not experienced in mainstream education.

Mr Marks added: "Sometimes, when young people lash out, it is because they are hurting inside.

"Here, we allow them to find their strengths and prepare them for the real world, developing them useful skills."

The project costs approximately £500,000 to run every year, and funding is also provided through various grants and support from the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Open to the public, the registered charity ploughs a huge percentage of the money it receives back into its community work.

Carwyn Jones was impressed by what he had seen, saying: "The farm is a facility that has obvious use to the wider community.

"I will be visiting here again with my family and I will recommend the farm to others."