Future Roots is expanding to Dorchester!

Whitfield Rural Activity Centre We’ve been on the look out for a second home for some time and earlier this year we finally found one on the outskirts of Dorchester.  With a huge ‘thank you’ to Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust’s Mental Health Services, which owns the site, it gives us great pleasure to report that Future Roots has taken over the management of the Whitfield Rural Activity Centre.

Whitfield Rural Activity Centre

Whitfield was establish some years ago to provide activities for those with mental health issues. In 2007, some of those you used the site articulated its mission:
Whitfield Rural Activity Centre is a three-and-a-half acre site situation in the countryside with a natural wildlife habitat. It is a unique and supportive therapeutic environment for people experiencing mental health issues. Whitfield aims to provide meaningful activity for people to work at their own pace, giving a real sense of purpose and achievement, leading them towards recovery and self-esteem. Whitfield is a also a sanctuary for the people that come here.
In early 2013 the NHS took the decision to temporarily close the site to consult the community about its future.

Our vision for the future

At Whitfield we have the opportunity to expand our very limited gardening activities on a huge scale while also being able to offer arts, crafts and woodwork. It will expand our vision of care farming in Dorset and allow us to find places for those who have been on our waiting list at Rylands Farm.
Whitfield Rural Activity Centre

One of the hot houses at Whitfield

As well as expanding our popular projects for young people and our work with older people (The Countrymen’s Club), we’ll be continuing Whitfield’s previous work by developing services for adults with mental health issues. But first the site needs a little TLC, before we officially open it in August!