Since initially openings its gates, ARK has evolved into a relaxed, friendly environment that has provided a safe therapeutic space for people of all ages and varying needs; who have their own wishes for their future. One of the easiest ways this has been described is “it gives people the opportunity to slow things down, connect with themselves and then connect with others”.

To help with this and make people feel comfortable in starting to attend ARK, we have set up a project called ‘Therapeutic Volunteering’, whereby we support people with varying needs from mental ill health, to those that are socially isolated or just lacking in confidence. This results in people spending time at ARK, with some additional support, until they feel in a position to be able to support others or they wish to move onto other things i.e. education, training, employment, or just getting out into their local community.

During someone’s time at ARK, they choose to engage in the many different daily activities which include Horticulture (growing vegetables, fruits and flowers), Nature and the outdoor environment, Rural Arts and Crafts (felting, willow weaving and more), Cooking (we help each other to cook lunch for everyone that is onsite each day), and Site Maintenance. We also support people to identify and pursue their own projects.

Under this scheme, ARK has supported many people at their own pace to connect with peers, improve their confidence, to feel better about life, and to enable them to become active members of their community.