What we offer.
Field of Joy offers regular and bespoke one-off sessions and clubs to adults, young people, and children, of all ages and abilities.
We specialise in working with vulnerable and disadvantaged groups and have decades of experience at this.
We aim to support and empower, working flexibly and responsively, tailoring sessions to participants’ needs.
All our staff and volunteers have DBS checks and are experienced, caring and fun to be around. Staff leading sessions hold first aid certificates.
On-site you will find toilets, hand washing facilities, and a sheltered area with picnic tables for breaks and bad weather.
Benefits to participants include:
- Social connection
- New skills
- Independence
- Confidence
- Improved mental health
- Increased physical activity and fitness
- Friendship and reduced isolation
- Improved social, teamwork, and cooperation skills
We are a Norfolk County Council-approved Short Breaks Provider. Please email us on fieldofjoynorfolk@gmail.com for more information.
We have a small outdoor alternative provision offer for children/teens 8 year plus, see below for form and process, places are very limited and demand is high
Alternative Learning Provision Referral Form
Groups, Clubs and Pricing:
Weekly Farm Helper days.
Our weekly adults farm helper day is every Friday at Field of Joy, 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. Sessions are open to adult farm assistants with varying needs including learning disabilities and Autism. We work both together and individually learning how to care for large and small animals and developing new skills around the smallholding like growing vegetables, making new fences, and planting hedges, trees, and wildflowers. We will also try out nature crafts and seasonal activities.
Sessions are always responsive to helpers' individual needs, as we work to develop new skills, confidence, resilience, and cooperative skills. We also prioritise fun and love to relax together on our breaks and make new friends. It’s a really relaxed and friendly small group. Contact for prices
*Farm helpers are welcome to bring a support worker if required at no extra charge.
Holiday and After School Club
From the Summer term to the October half term we usually offer a weekly after-school club session for children over 8 and teens who wish to learn about small and large animal care and try nature and gardening activities as part of a friendly relaxed team.
During the school holidays, we offer weekly day farm club sessions for children and young people aged 8 to 16, as well as weekly SEND children’s small group farm club sessions.
We also offer occasional holiday forest school sessions and events
Equischolars
EquiScholars is a non-ridden, innovative program that provides high-quality, evidence-based education in equine interactions.
We offer EquiScholars courses and the curriculum, as an after-school course for 8 to 16-year-olds on Wednesdays from 4 to 6 pm up to October half term.
From Autumn 2024 we hope to offer a day-a-week term time Equischolars provision for teens and young people aged 8 plus referred by their schools, click here for more info. Please email us for more info about this.
Bespoke Sessions
Bespoke hourly, half and full-day sessions for both individuals and groups. Subject to availability our bespoke sessions at Field of Joy can be fully tailored to meet specific needs, goals, curriculums, individual learning plans, and abilities.
Adults Outdoor Meditation and Wellbeing group
Meditation at Field of Joy
Take some time for yourself, enjoy the peace of the natural surroundings and discover the benefits of meditation.
Meditation sessions have been running at Field of Joy for several years. Our friendly, welcoming adult group meets every Tuesday morning, throughout the year, from 11am to 12 noon.
Sessions usually take place outdoors, surrounded by nature, although in bad weather we move into our cosy cabin.
Each week is a little different, but sessions typically include a guided meditation, followed by music, song, chanting or poetry to enhance the experience.
Whether you are new to meditation or have been practising for years, everyone is welcome. There is no need for previous experience.
Who leads the sessions?
The group is facilitated by Kevin Howells, who has over 30 years' experience leading mindfulness and meditation groups.
Kevin is a clinical psychologist by training and has worked in university settings in Australia, California and the UK. He is an Emeritus Professor at the University of Nottingham and has extensive experience in teaching and facilitating groups.
Our approach to meditation
Our sessions are not intended as clinical therapy, but offer an opportunity to develop greater awareness, loving-kindness and peace of mind, with the natural world providing an important part of the experience.
Our approach is non-denominational, drawing on ideas from a variety of spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Sufism and Christianity, alongside contemporary mindfulness research.
There is no prescribed belief system or particular way to meditate. Participants are encouraged to explore what works for them and develop a practice that fits their own interests and life journey.
Stay on for our Wellbeing Session
After meditation, you are welcome to stay for our optional Wellbeing Session from 12 noon to 1.30pm.
This is a relaxed opportunity to spend more time outdoors, meet others and get involved with life at Field of Joy. You might help with the animals, gardening or conservation activities, or simply enjoy being part of our friendly farm community.
Booking and cost
Both sessions are funded and free to attend, although donations are always welcome and help support the work of Field of Joy.
Please book your place through our online booking page.
Whether you are curious about meditation, looking for a little calm in your week or simply want to spend time connecting with nature, we'd love you to join us.
Come along and give it a try. We look forward to meeting you!