Mission:  To provide a flexible programme of skills training to enable service users to access employment, work experience or other educational opportunities.

Barford Countryside Unit is a unique training facility for service users with a variety of support needs.

The rural location of the unit at Barford St Martin promotes an informal and relaxed atmosphere. Barford has IT facilities, a multi-purpose training room, carpentry and pottery workshops, a horticultural project including two poly tunnels and kitchen facilities. The unit offers wide ranging and flexible training sessions including skills and personal development as well as vocational courses which can be accredited by the National Proficiency Test Council to levels 2 & 3. The unit also supports service users to move into employment, voluntary work or other educational opportunities.

Service users are referred by a variety of different agencies such as Community Mental HealthTeams, Community Team for People with Learning Disabilities, Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service, Adult and Community Teams and several independent agencies.

Individuals interested in accessing the service are welcome to come for a taster day.

Outcomes for clients:

1. Overcoming barriers to learning and achieving personal goals
2. Increased self-esteem and confidence
3. Improved access to other community learning  and education providers
4. More opportunities to enter paid employment, voluntary work or work experience
5. More opportunities to gain nationally recognised qualifications.