Growth, Together.
Our Journey and Mission
Our Vision – “ We SUPPORT people, to ensure everyone achieves their full potential to be themselves building trust and connection along the way”
At Able Hands Together, we believe that every child deserves an education that meets their need, celebrates their individuality, and nurtures their potential. Our farm-based approach combines the safe connection of nature with evidence-based therapeutic practices to create a truly transformative child led learning experience.
Since our founding, we have empowered over 100 community members through farm-based programs that teach valuable life skills and promote well-being.
Our dedicated team of experienced educators and support workers have amassed a huge amount of experience and work tirelessly to nurture each individual’s potential and foster a sense of belonging for many years
Empowering Adults Through Our Co-Farmers Program
- Social Skills: Enhancing communication in a natural setting.
- Employability: Building skills applicable to everyday life.
- Independence: Promoting self-reliance through farm activities.
Therapeutic Support
Empowering Young Lives
Our service supports young people who need a learning environment that differs from the traditional classroom. We work closely with schools, local authorities, and Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) packages to provide an enriching, therapeutic setting where every child is free to be themselves. We recognise that mainstream education doesn’t meet the needs of every learner, and we’re here to bridge that gap with connection, compassion, expertise, and a deep understanding of each young person’s unique journey.
At Able Hands Together, we believe every child deserves a space where they feel safe, valued, and supported. Our approach celebrates individuality, meets unique needs, and nurtures each young person’s potential. Set on our farm, we combine the calming power of nature with evidence-based therapeutic practices to create a truly safe and nurturing environment—where young people are free to explore learning at their own pace.
Our Farm
The outdoor setting offers young people the space they need to move, explore, and regulate their nervous systems in ways that indoor environments simply cannot provide.
Animal-Assisted Learning
Our farm is home to a carefully selected family of gentle animals, each chosen for their therapeutic qualities and ability to connect with young people:
- Goats and Kids: Playful and interactive, perfect for building confidence and responsibility
- Sheep and Lambs: Gentle and calming, ideal for young people who need quieter animal interactions
- Alpacas: Naturally calming presence, excellent for anxiety reduction and mindfulness activities
- Chickens and Ducks: Engaging daily care routines that build structure and purpose
- Rabbits and Guinea Pigs: Perfect for young people who prefer smaller, more manageable animal interactions
- Dogs: Trained therapy animals that provide emotional support and companionship
Horticultural Therapy
Our dedicated horticulture area spans half an acre and provides opportunities for:
- Growing flowers and vegetables from seed to harvest
- Learning about plant life cycles and ecosystems
- Developing fine motor skills through planting and tending
- Creating sensory gardens with different textures, scents, and colours
- Seasonal activities that connect young person to natural rhythms
Wildlife Conservation Projects
Young people engage in meaningful conservation work including:
- Creating and maintaining wildlife habitats
- Bird watching and recording
- Insect hotel construction
- Pond maintenance and aquatic life observation
- Seasonal wildlife surveys
Laura Tween
Founder / Director
Laura Tween is the visionary Founding Director of Able Hands Together, which she established in 2015. With a strong background in social care and a degree in law, Laura brings a wealth of experience and passion to her work, as well as being DSL Lead. As the networking and marketing lead, she thrives on creating meaningful connections and is especially passionate about organising inclusive and engaging events.
Kate Griffin
Head of Services
Kate is a qualified secondary English and SEN teacher with experience in specialist settings and as a SENCO in mainstream education. She has also founded and developed her own business, bringing a broad and practical perspective to her work.
Kate is passionate about supporting individuals in ways that work for them, helping them to flourish and build confidence. She is committed to creating inclusive, nurturing environments where everyone can thrive.
She is also a big fan of alpacas and sheep and is delighted to be part of the AHT family.
Gavin
Maintenance and Mini Bus Driver
Gavin plays a vital role in keeping everything running smoothly—both on the road and behind the scenes. From making sure our transport is safe, reliable, and ready each day, to supporting the upkeep of our farm-based environment.
Gavin brings a calm, friendly presence and a practical skillset that fits perfectly with our nurturing, hands-on environment. Whether he’s greeting young people at pick-up or fixing something on site, he’s always ready to help.
Eden
Adult & Youth Learning Mentor
Eden loves animals, nature and helping others discover their potential. Eden is passionate about creating a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable, confident and encouraged to learn.
With a love for the outdoors, Eden enjoys bringing learning to life through nature, exploration and new experiences. Eden is excited to help learners discover their interests, build confidence and develop a deeper appreciation for the world around them.
Oliver
Adult & Youth Learning Mentor
Oliver Tween is a nurturing and gentle member of the Able Hands Together team, known for his calm approach and supportive nature. As a qualified personal trainer, Oliver brings his passion for sport and physical education into his work, helping individuals build confidence, resilience, and wellbeing through movement and activity.
Calum
Adult & Youth Learning Mentor
Calum brings great energy to the role and has natural empathy and understanding of the young people he works with. Training as a PT he brings a wealth of knowledge supporting health and wellbeing as well as inventive ways of using sports and physical activities to support young people.
Paula Fletcher
Head of Operations
Paula oversees Health and Safety, Staffing and animal care and welfare whilst focusing on developing and engaging participants in a range of activities within these areas.
Kat Stay
Head of Finance and Adult and Youth Learning Mentor
Kat supports Able hands together with a friendly, approachable manner and a strong commitment to helping others. She is a reliable point of contact for staff, students, and families and with a caring nature and a can-do attitude, Kat is always ready to lend a hand where needed!
Sasha
Adult & Youth Learning Mentor
I am a dedicated Support Worker at Able Hands Together, where I combine person-centered care with therapeutic farming activities to support individuals with diverse needs. Through hands-on work with animals and nature, I help clients build confidence, develop life skills, and foster independence. With a strong focus on empowerment, inclusion, and well being, I’m passionate about making a meaningful impact every day..
Steph
Adult & Youth Learning Mentor
With a passion for supporting others, Steph is dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming environment where learners can build confidence and reach their potential. With experience in adaptive teaching, emotional support and behavioural assessment, she understands the importance of recognising each person’s individual needs and helping them learn in a way that works for them.
Skilled in relationship building and therapeutic riding, Steph enjoys finding ways to engage and encourage learners, helping them develop new skills, overcome challenges and celebrate their progress.
Our dedicated staff members are committed to supporting and empowering our community.
What Our Participants Say
