About us
We are Living Potential, based on a beautiful farm just outside Wetherby. We have a supportive care farm and community gardens. Living Potential operates independently and not for profit. We transform lives by offering a sanctuary where people and nature thrive together.
Every week we support over 135 beneficiaries to grow in confidence, build lasting friendships and encourage independence. We support children, adults and older people with challenges such as physical and learning disabilities, autism, dementia and mental health issues to engage in meaningful work, giving people a real sense of value and purpose.
We aim to help create a world in which everyone is valued and where people look after themselves, each other, and the planet.
Our vision: To help create a world in which everyone is valued and to showcase how communities of different needs can work productively together to create sustainable futures.
Our mission: To reduce social exclusion and promote community connections through teaching people to care for themselves, each other, and nature around them in a working farm and community gardens setting.
Aims: Supporting people to gain confidence and independence, gain skills and knowledge and increase health and wellbeing whilst showcasing sustainable farming.
Values: justice, equity, community and dignity for people and planet.
Meet the team
Directors
Tanya
Tanya combines her knowledge of teaching and learning with a desire to help combat climate chaos through regenerative farming. Tanya has previously been a foster carer for children with additional needs and a support worker for adults with autism and learning disabilities.
Sylvia
Sylvia has worked in education all her working life. She is currently a teacher at Leeds City College including teaching SEND students that attend Living Potential. She has a deep understanding of the issues our members face and a desire to help them succeed.
Reeta
Brings her experience in HR and the Refugee Council, supporting people in difficult circumstances to assist LPCF to continue having such a positive impact on people’s lives.
Chris
Chris ran a successful professional dentistry practice for 20 years and is now in garden maintenance for fun. Chris knows LPCF well and has supported its growth since the beginning.
Andrew
Andrew worked as a manager in adult social care for 25 years. He has extensive experience in learning disabilities, mental health and safeguarding.
Team Members:
Rajesh
A qualified teacher, Rajesh spent much of his time studying and teaching in countries such as the Netherlands and China. He hopes to bring people together through a love of the great outdoors and a passion for music and percussion.
Sarah
Sarah has previously been head of a charity for older people and worked in community services for the NHS. She is our Service Development Manager for the Community Gardens and Woodland Cabin.
Duncan
Duncan is adept at using the outdoors to raise people’s personal expectations. Bushcraft and foraging are a few of the aspects of outdoor learning Duncan draws upon.
Matthew
Matthew ensures members’ records are up to date and all aspects of the farm are running smoothly. He is committed to helping people achieve their potential and environmental sustainability. He is a qualified archery instructor.
Andy
Andy is our Head Grower who is passionate about horticulture and growing, with a keen eye for photography. He loves capturing the beauty of the farm, its wildlife and changing seasons.
Cath
​Cath has a background in education and a love of horticultural therapy. She is a Forest School Leader and enjoys passing her learning on to others.
Jackie
Jackie is a skilled arts and crafts practitioner and cook with a background in advocacy. She uses resources from around the farm to create products to or take home for our members.
Jake
Having started as a volunteer, it was clear Jake has potential. He just completed a Farm Worker apprentice at Askham Bryan and is also working at a mixed farm near Tadcaster to increase his animal welfare knowledge.
Corrie
Corrie is responsible for Calm@theFarm, which gives neurodivergent young people the opportunity to connect with animals, explore their creativity and enjoy the benefits of spending time in nature.
Leon
Leon is a former teacher with a background in culinary art, bringing years of experience as a chef to his work. Leon has been involved in various community projects, always seeking to foster growth, connection, and a love for learning.
Zola
​Zola has taught children with additional needs for many years. Those skills are being transferred to guide adults through learning animal care, horticulture, arts and crafts and cooking.
Chris
Chris has previous experience in supporting vulnerable people with dementia. He enjoys working on the farm and helping others to develop their skills and achieve their full potential.
Keith
Keith is an experienced teacher having previously worked in colleges. He is a permaculture practitioner which means he balances care for the earth and it’s in habitants and care for people.
Priscilla
Priscilla enjoys working with wool and natural fibres, exploring her creativity through hands-on activities. She is also studying an animal course, developing her knowledge and skills in animal care.
Charlie
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Liza
Ella
Sarah
Anna
Julia
Kerry
Glynn
Sharon
Ashley
Volunteers & Supporters
Jing
Georgie
Roger
Jo
Clarissa
Nathalie