A farm in the centre of London has appointed entertainment industry guru Clive Conway as its new Patron.

Conway, who is also Chair of the Desmond Tutu Foundation UK, hopes to raise awareness of the work done by the Vauxhall City Farm to improve mental wellbeing in the local community.

The Farm is particularly popular among those experiencing mental health challenges, which is backed up by research showing that animals provide essential support for those suffering from loneliness and recovering addicts.

Conway has been working in the entertainment industry for the past few decades, but is best known for his box-office smash, ‘An audience with…’, which involved household names in business, current affairs, and politics giving talks to the public. The initiative first began with Tony Benn in 2002, and later involved the likes of David Frost, Alastair Campbell, and Michael Portillo.

Conway said:

As well as providing a welcome day out, Vauxhall City Farm takes great pride in its work to support and improve people’s mental wellbeing.

We’re very keen that more young people, families and anyone who’s perhaps struggling with the pressures of life, know about this facility and make use of it to bring joy to their lives.

The Farm, which describes itself as ‘providing an oasis of social integration and harmony in a turbulent world’ was launched more than 40 years ago in 1977. It was conceived by local people who wanted to create a community space providing educational, recreational and therapeutic support to the local area.

Faith Boardman, Chair of Trustees of Vauxhall City Farm, said:

While Vauxhall City Farm has developed enormously over the last decade, 2019 will be a year of change and challenge as we work to secure the funding needed to assure our future.

For more information about the Farm, including when to visit and ways to get involved, please go to www.vauxhallcityfarm.org

Image by Vauxhall City Farm