Advancing Accessibility and Making Life’s Experiences Possible at Beckside Care Farm

Invacare UK remains committed to delivering advanced mobility solutions that empower individuals to lead independent lives. As part of our ongoing dedication to accessibility, we are proud to donate a second Storm 4 power wheelchair to Beckside Care Farm in Ashbourne, UK—ensuring that mobility remains at the heart of making life’s experiences possible for the care farmers who help out at the facility.  

The farm spans 25 acres of Derbyshire countryside, offering a peaceful retreat where visitors can engage with alpacas, pygmy goats, Shetland sheep, and rescue hens.

We recently caught up with Ann from Beckside Care Farm to discuss the exciting arrival of a second Invacare Storm4 power wheelchair and the profound difference it’s already making for the farm’s care farmers.

A Game Changer for Accessibility

When Invacare donated the first Storm4 power wheelchair, it revolutionised accessibility across Beckside's expansive 25-acre site. Originally introduced during the Living Well with Dementia sessions held each Monday, the wheelchair became a vital tool for six regular attendees—primarily men—enabling them to engage more fully with farm life.

“The original Storm4 was undeniably a game changer,” Ann reflects. “It allowed people unsteady on their feet to take part in every aspect of the farm—from feeding animals to helping with maintenance tasks.”

Eight Years of Impact and Confidence

Over the eight years that the original chair was in use, the impact was deeply felt. Ann recalls the journey of Peter, a group member who initially attended sessions using elbow crutches. As his condition progressed, the Storm4 enabled him to remain fully involved.

“Peter was still able to head out to the paddocks with friends to feed the horses, goats, sheep and alpacas. He helped with field shelter repairs and fencing, enjoying the ‘bloke banter’ while working with tools. It meant the world to him—those lifelong skills hadn’t disappeared, and he could still use them with support from our care team.”

This ability to engage in purposeful activity was not just beneficial physically, but emotionally, restoring a sense of identity and dignity to men who had been independent for most of their lives.

A 2010 Dutch study (de Bruin et al.) supports this experience, suggesting that care farming can provide greater health benefits for older people with dementia compared to traditional day-care settings.

A New Chapter with the Second Storm4

The original Storm4 served Beckside faithfully, rarely experiencing faults—thanks in part to a skilled volunteer and ex-Rolls Royce engineer who kept it running through all seasons. It was only deterred by the deepest January mud.

“It was a real workhorse,” says Ann. “Rain or shine, it was used three times a week. Only the very worst weather would stop us.”

Now, with a second Storm4 donated by Invacare, Beckside is able to maintain and expand accessibility across the farm. The new chair ensures continuity and offers enhanced mobility for a new generation of care farmers.

A Mission in Motion

Invacare’s continued support aligns perfectly with Beckside’s mission of providing occupational therapy through nature. Since 2012, Beckside has been “nurturing with nature,” and mobility plays a crucial role in making this mission inclusive.

“To explore and immerse oneself in nature—the most natural sensory environment—is a balm for busy brains. But power chairs are expensive and out of reach for most small care farms,” Ann explains. “This donation ensures that people who are not ambulant over uneven terrain can still fully participate.”

Broad Impact Across Disabilities

The benefits of care farming reach far beyond dementia care. In 2020:

• 67% of UK care farms supported adults with mental ill-health,
• 72% served adults with learning disabilities,
• 65% supported adults with autism spectrum disorders, and
• 54% supported those with learning difficulties.

Spending time in nature has proven mental health benefits. Bragg (2014) found mental wellbeing improved not only after one green care session but consistently over time. Participants gained confidence, skills, and a sense of inclusion, often adopting healthier lifestyles in the process (Bragg & Atkins, 2016).

Enabling Inclusion: Rebecca’s Story

One care farmer already benefitting from the new Storm4 is Rebecca. Her mother shared:

“It’s a huge advantage for my daughter. She can now travel over rough terrain and keep up with the others. The smoother ride means she can even help carry feed buckets. She’s not left behind—she’s included, useful, and enjoys being part of the farm.”

A Farm for All

Beckside is committed to accessibility for all. The farm offers accessible day service facilities, respite accommodation, and even a holiday let—once visited by Mollie the Collie, a dog with wheels who zipped around the ramped facilities!

The team also ensures communication access:

• Co-working with Communication Support Workers,
• Using apps and visual aids like Picture Exchange Communication Systems and “Now, Next, Then” boards.

This proactive and inclusive approach ensures that everyone—regardless of ability—can engage meaningfully with nature and community.

Looking to the Future

The addition of a second Storm4 wheelchair represents more than just enhanced mobility—it’s a symbol of inclusion and empowerment. Care farming combines connection with nature, social interaction, and purposeful activity. This combination creates powerful therapeutic outcomes, particularly for those with defined physical or mental health needs.

“The benefits of the Storm4 are available to anyone with reduced mobility,” Ann concludes. “It keeps our sessions equitable, inclusive, and filled with joy.”

For more information on Beckside Care Farm and its mission, visit:
www.becksidecarefarm.co.uk