Charity focus
acres of land and a barn.
Drawing 30 members from
Winchester, Andover and
Basingstoke, the project allows
them to look after donkeys, sheep
and 100 free-range chickens, grow
vegetables, sow seeds/bulbs and
have access to craft, cookery,
woodwork, 3D printing and
metalwork facilities in a large barn.
“People need three things to be
fulfilled – to be part of something
bigger than themselves, to be
loved and to have meaningful
work,” Stuart continued. “At Boaz,
we acknowledge that every human
being carries something of God
in them, is intrinsically valuable
and worthy of unconditional love.
We work together on interesting
projects that require team work.
By working alongside one another,
close to nature, respect is built,
lessons are learnt and life is lived in
friendly community.
“This is a special place that gives
people with learning difficulties
and volunteers real, interesting
work in a safe, supportive
environment along with plenty of
fun along the way.
“It’s a really tough time for
people who are marginalised right
now because local authorities are
faced with enormous pressures to
cut costs at facilities.”
What is clear, however, is that
Boaz is a strong community. It
offers precisely the support and
facilities which are much needed,
and members, who are aged from
their 20s to 70s, meet regularly
and build friendships with each
other, staff and volunteers.
Stuart wants to connect with
more volunteers, plus corporates
who might sponsor a session, a
message he highlighted at the
June open day and will reiterate
at the October Barn Dance and
nativity play… featuring real
animals!
But back to summer; handcrafted traditional trugs,
customised for a couple’s wedding
day, are just one of the useful and
beautiful items you will find here.
They’re made with love – by
people who love what they are
able to do.
www.residentmagazine.co.uk
CHARITY FOCUS Resident Aug Sept.indd 25
www.boazproject.co.uk
Resident 25
15/07/2016 11:37