Member Stories
Scott
Saints fan Scott is super friendly and quickly learns every new person’s name, making them feel welcome and part of the Boaz family. He’s a great front of house man. At Boaz, his cheerful chatter helps shyer members to feel happier and included. The 29-year-old, who attends twice a week, said: “Sometimes people can feel a bit down. I sit and natter to cheer them, be kind, loads of stuff. I tell quite funny jokes.”
Scott, who plays for local football and darts teams, likes weeding, feeding the chickens and collecting eggs. But his favourite job is pulling up carrots. Asked to sum up Boaz in one word, he said: “cool.”
Katie
“When I first came to Boaz, I was very shy. I didn’t know anyone,” said Katie, 32, who had a small social network which consisted mainly of family members. “I didn’t want to engage with anyone or do anything. But my confidence grew and I gradually made friends. Coming here makes me feel happier and calmer. I have learnt to control my anger and language.”
Katie attends Boaz twice a week. “I like cookery classes and potting plants in the greenhouse. My favourite thing to do is putting eggs in the boxes and (date) stamping them. I enjoy looking after the chickens, too. I just don’t like cleaning them out – they stink!”
Sam
Keen swimmer Sam, 32, enjoys building bonfires and cutting the grass at Boaz. “I’ve learnt how to cut the grass properly with Andy but I’m happy doing anything. It’s lovely being outside and going on the walks, especially in summer. I like the baby lambs when they are born after a visit from Gordon Ramsey (the ram). They are bundles of fun. I’ve learnt new skills here, too.”
Sam has learnt to cook lasagne “from scratch” and has repeated the recipe at home. Another favourite is carrot cake. He has also developed woodwork skills, making useful items like trugs and planters. But the best bit of Boaz is “making friends, seeing friends,” says Sam, who attends three days a week. Asked to describe Boaz, he said: “It’s like a big family.”
Luke
“I like doing manual labour,” says Luke, 29, who joined Boaz having attended a two-year foundation land-based course at Sparsholt College. “I learnt to drive a tractor. I loved it but after that there was nothing for me,” he says. At Boaz, Luke is happiest outside – digging, moving loads with a wheelbarrow and working with Johnny, a tree surgeon. Luke helped to build a patio and more.
“I’m a Jack of all trades. I do the heavy side of things, like picking up bricks. Any jobs they need me to do I just crack on. I’m keeping the place in tip top condition doing maintenance work,” said Luke, who is super-speedy. “I came first in the Boaz fun run. I ran so fast, I had to walk the last bit because I was out of breath, but I still won!”
We have a few spare places. For more details contact Stuart