Farrans enter the Ravine for conservation focused volunteer day

A group of 18 Farrans’ employees embarked on a conservation-focused volunteer day this week by working together to paint and plant at Belfast-based social enterprise, Ravine.

Ravine Market Garden is a conservation project where young people with mental health issues can gain work experience with specialists in horticulture and agriculture, helping to promote and conserve unique wildlife and natural habitats.

The organisation provides training for up to 23 young people each year, creating a supportive learning environment to work towards qualifications with industrial placements. They harvest crops and seasonal vegetable boxes which are sold to local businesses.

Ravine Market Garden is part of the Advantage Foundation alongside Mugshots, a social enterprise printing business within Hydebank Prison. This group supports young offenders with training and support during custody and after release to help to break the re-offending cycle.

Farrans continue to support Mugshots through ordering printed materials for a number of high-profile projects.

Clara Burns, our CSR manager, said: “Farrans recently donated an old shipping container to Ravine which will be used as a shop front from which to sell produce. Our team revamped the container with two coats of black paint on the exterior and one on the interior. Other activities included planting apple trees, building a bird garden and preparing raised beds for the next crop of vegetables to be planted. We look forward to developing our relationship with Advantage and Ravine Market Garden throughout 2023.

“Our volunteer days are win-win opportunities. We enhance the local area by safeguarding natural habitats and wildlife, as well as promoting mental health and physical wellbeing, and supporting our local communities. So far feedback from Farrans volunteers has pointed to three benefits of volunteering – feeling more connected to co-workers, improved personal wellbeing and giving back to community.”