Pennyhooks Farm has been a place of support for children and young people with Autism for over 20 years. It was founded by Lydia Otter, a Special Needs Teacher and by Richard Hurford, a former Probation Service Officer. Lydia is now the CEO for Pennyhooks Farm Trust and Richard is the Farm Manager.
Pennyhooks Project (former name) began from the farm house in 2001 and then in a donated mobile home in the garden. In 2005, thanks to the generous support of the Baily Thomas Trust and farm diversification grants, the first purpose built building, Appletree House, was opened.
Pennyhooks Farm Trust was subsequently established in 2011 in response to the outstanding progress of the students. Hedgerow House was built and opened in 2012 and Otter House was added in 2014, supported by Natural England and the Baily Thomas Trust. They add much welcomed workshop and training space.
Since 2016 Pennyhooks Farm Trust has taken care of the staff and students and the running of the work. Pennyhooks was set up to enable school leavers to continue their development in a supportive farm based environment. It has become a pioneering response to the need for suitable services for young adults with complex autism and related conditions.
Our Work > Today