A VOLUNTEER-run initiative has been launched to help a south Farnham charity which works with disadvantaged and troubled children.

Friends of Change of Scene has been set up in preparation for Change of Scene founder Sue Weaver’s retirement in 18 months.

It is hoped the friends support group will do a lot of fundraising work, including a major event every year.

The new group is “targeted at people with time”, according to Sue, who could become part of the committee, have craft skills, can create produce to sell, host coffee mornings and bake-off events, or help with marketing.

But the charity is also looking for monthly donors in order to create a stable income, as well as raising more funds. A chief executive will be brought in to oversee restructuring.

Change of Scene was founded by Sue ten years ago and now supports 16 children per week.

Children come from disadvantaged backgrounds of neglect, deprivation, bereavement and abuse, and they often suffer from mental health issues, autism and learning difficulties. Some have been excluded from school.

They are referred to Change of Scene and their places are funded by schools or Surrey County Council.

During a tour of the site, Sue said that working on the farm teaches the children “discipline and responsibility” and makes them feel “important and confident”.

They are able to stay at the farm until they get “to a point where they can go back to school”.

Around 120 youngsters have gone through Change of Scene, with 79 per cent of children going back into education. They are usually aged eight to 15.

The 16-acre site is home to 35 animals, including ponies, pigs, chickens, tortoises, alpacas, goats, bees, and a ferret.

Each animal conveys a message to talk about, such as “bullying pigs”, a “fiery ferret” and the teamwork and achievements of bees.

As well as caring for the animals, youngsters plant, harvest and cook seasonal foods in the on-site kitchen, grow flowers, maintain the grounds, build hives and process honey, gather wood for bonfires, follow animal tracks, night-watch badgers and foxes.

Sue founded Change of Scene after buying the property with a business partner, who she later bought out.

Everything "fell magically into place” and she set up the centre, which is now AQA Unit Award Scheme-accredited. And she said she has “never looked back”.

“I am very focused and determined and I am pleased it worked,” she added.

“From one child it built into a place for children from tough backgrounds. It is a special place for them.”

One of the older attendees said: “Change of Scene is more than a farm. It’s more than work. It’s more like family to me.”

Anyone interested in becoming a Friend of Change of Scene can find out more at a meeting at Lower Bourne Social Club on January 21, at 7pm.

To attend or to register interest, call Sue on 01252 794960 or e-mail [email protected].