A FARM in Box, which uses farming, family and therapy to transform the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable young people through a short residential stay, has been given £132,990 by Children in Need.

The funding will go towards paying for the work of lead psychotherapist Tish Fielden at Jamie's Farm, who provided one-to-one therapeutic sessions and group sessions that help young people develop more positive attitudes. These sessions can also include working with horses, which offer an opportunity for young people to identify barriers to their personal development and emotional wellbeing and giving them the tools to overcome them.

The farm has received more than £565,000 from Children in Need over the last six years, helping children learn practical skills as well as feeling a sense of accomplishment.

“For the past six years, funding from BBC Children in Need has enabled us to provide young people with the time, space and distance from their normal lives to explore issues that trigger disruptive behaviour," said Jamie Feilden, chief executive officer. "With this latest award we can continue to help children see themselves in a new light, which will in turn change their attitudes at home and in school for the better.”

Jamie's Farm, which also has a base in Hereford, is now looking to expand further afield into Wales and Sarah Wheeler, communications and fundraising officer, believes that is a testament to their success.

She said: "We opened our Hereford site in 2015 and that has proved to be a successful model and something which is scalable. It was a big decision for us to replicate our Wiltshire farm there but its success has show we can roll it out to other farms. There is a huge need for our model and by 2018, we aim to be engaging with 1,800 children a year."

The team, which re-engages children with educational life during their week-long stay at the farm, also provide follow-up sessions with classes and work with teachers to help their children reach their true potential.

Richard King, BBC Children in Need regional officer of the South and West said: “We want this year to get off to a strong start for children and young people across Wiltshire, which is why we are so pleased to be funding the work of the Jamie’s Farm.

"Grants like this one, made possible by the generosity of our supporters, help to break the cycle of disadvantage in young lives. As ever, everyone should feel really proud of the difference they’re making.”