We’re proud to have built strong and meaningful partnerships with many primary schools across Leeds, enabling us to offer vital respite breaks to children who need them most. To ensure we reach those in greatest need, we use the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) data to prioritise schools in the most disadvantaged areas.
Even so, there are still many schools across the city that could benefit from our support. Sometimes the barriers are financial; other times, it’s about giving teachers the confidence and encouragement to organise residential trips for their pupils.
Our mission is to keep expanding our reach and connect with even more children and schools. One powerful way we do this is by sharing the stories of those who’ve already experienced the impact of Lineham Farm. One such school is Grimes Dyke Primary in Whinmoor – a truly valued partner of ours.
For over 25 years, children, families, and staff from Grimes Dyke have been part of our community. We’re now seeing a second generation of families making memories here, as parents who once came as children now watch their own children enjoy those same formative experiences.
We recently spoke with Louise Hill, Grimes Dyke’s long-standing headteacher, about the enduring relationship between the school and Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm – and what it continues to mean to the children they serve.
“Lineham has become part of our school’s life.”
Please tell us about your school’s relationship to Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm.
“Grimes Dyke have been visiting Lineham Farm for over 25 years meaning it has become part of the life of our school and that of our families. Many of our current children have big brothers, sisters and parents who also visited the farm as children. They all have happy memories and are keen for their children to make their own. The same can be said for the Grimes Dyke staff who have memories of different visits with groups of children over the years. I have taken parents and now their children!”
“Without funding, our families couldn’t go.”
What are some of the main challenges facing children and families, in your experience?
“We work hard as a school to source funding to enable our residential visits to take place free of charge, this includes the family residentials as well as children on their own. Without this, our families simply couldn’t afford to go. I am worried about our long-term ability to fund this for families.”
“The farm is an oasis of peace.”
How does time with Leeds Children’s Charity support your school’s children and families?
“The farm is a little oasis of peace away from the chaos of the lives of our families. You see them breathing in the calm from the moment they get off the bus. The children and families live in an area of Leeds that is extremely loud at night and crime rates are at an all-time high. More and more violent crimes are being reported so Lineham allows them to escape all of this. They also don’t need to worry about food and can just throw themselves into enjoying whatever activities they are involved in.”
“Leeds Children’s Charity gives them back their childhood.”
What key experiences does the farm facilitate for children?
“A deep connection with nature in a very supportive environment. The whole supportive ethos facilitated by the charity staff allows children to be themselves. It is a sad fact that despite their young age our children are not children at home! They have to be tough and streetwise to survive their environment, so live life on the edge. Time with Leeds Children’s Charity gives them back their childhood. I like nothing more than seeing a child sat safety and happy on the floor playing Jenga when at home they might be at risk out in community.”
“It gives them a memory of feeling safe and calm.”
What are the main differences you see in children after a break with Leeds Children’s Charity?
“A visit gives them a deep memory of a time when they felt safe and calm. This is often used as a talking point when children might be heightened in school. A simple chat about the things they have done and how much they are looking forward to a future visit does the trick.”
“Teachers build lasting bonds.”
How do the trips benefit teachers?
“I always encourage teachers to visit on a residential experience to see the difference in their children. They start to see the vulnerability in our families and see them relax and become children. Teachers build different and lasting relationships with our children once connecting with them at Lineham Farm.”
Can you help us support schools like Grimes Dyke?
If you’d like to find out how you can support our residentials, please visit our Ways to Give page.
“It’s a chance for independence – and peace of mind.”
What does Lineham Farm mean for the parents and carers of your school’s children?
“It’s a chance for their children to have a proper break away from home and a time to build a memory much like many of them hold. It’s a chance to gain some independence and to experience activities that would be completely out of reach for our families in a safe and supportive environment away from home. The fact that the farm is not very far away also helps our parents to relax knowing that the children could come home if they needed to… they never do!”
“If you haven’t visited yet – go!”
What would you say to other schools who haven’t yet visited?
“Go and have a look at the farm, walk around, and talk to staff. You will soon be excited to plan a visit with your children. The staff think of everything, it really is an amazing place.”
“Our communities need places like Lineham.”
How important is access to places like Lineham Farm for our communities?
“It is hugely important; our families and communities deserve a place like Lineham Farm to have a time to relax and be themselves in a supportive environment. There are always so many ‘firsts’ on a visit such as riding a bike, climbing a wall, finding an owl pellet or eating cucumber! It’s all important.”
“I hope we’re still coming in another 25 years.”
What are your hopes for the future Leeds Children’s Charity?
“I hope we’re still visiting in another 25 years with a new generation of children! There’s something magical about the whole place, which is made possible by its staff, so I hope it continues to grow whilst in many ways staying the same.”
Help us keep the magic alive for schools like Grimes Dyke!
If you’d can support us in continuing to brighten children’s lives, please visit our ‘ways to give’ page. Any monthly donation, large or small, helps us subsidise the cost for children whose families couldn’t otherwise end them.
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