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.  It is based within a converted farmyard building in Dairy Lane, Barford St Martin and offers a flexible programme of skills training in a tranquil setting.  The unit consists of fully equipped workshops offering training in woodwork, IT, arts and crafts, pottery, horticulture, numeracy and literacy skills, budgeting and debt management and job search.  It is also the home to SORTED!, our very own recycling team.  Barford is a centre for the National Proficiency Test Council, meaning that service users will be able to work towards accredited qualifications, however this is completely optional.

Service user are referred to BCU 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.