Little Gate Farm

24/08/2026

We’re incredibly proud of our work trainee Chloe, who has been thriving in our Woodland Project. Today she completed this wonderful handcrafted birdhouse - a brilliant example of her creativity, and growing confidence with different tools.
Chloe has been developing so many valuable skills, from teamwork and communication to learning how to use a wide range of equipment safely and effectively. She’s pictured here with her fellow trainee Teo, who has been right beside her throughout the project, supporting and collaborating every step of the way.
It’s inspiring to see their hard work come to life in such a beautiful way.
Great job, Chloe - and well done to both of you for embracing the woodland challenge with enthusiasm and teamwork.

21/08/2026

🎨💙 A Huge Thank You to Brewers Decorator Centres, Hastings! 💙🎨

We're incredibly grateful to for their generous donation of paint and decorating supplies to support the refurbishment of The Bridge Community Centre.

Their kindness is helping us transform the space and get it ready to welcome our College students when the new term begins in September. Every tin of paint and decorating item donated makes a real difference and brings us one step closer to creating a warm, vibrant, and inspiring environment for the young people we support.

There's still plenty of work to do, but thanks to support from local businesses like Brewers, we're making fantastic progress. Our focus is on preparing the areas needed for our students first, and once the new term is underway, we'll continue working on the rest of the centre to bring our vision for The Bridge to life.

Thank you for helping us create a place where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. 🌟

19/08/2026

At Little Gate Supported Employment, our Job Coaches do so much more than support people into work. They build confidence, encourage independence, celebrate achievements and help our work trainees believe in themselves.
Through patience, encouragement and person-centred support, they help adults with learning disabilities and autism develop new skills, overcome challenges and take meaningful steps towards a brighter future.
Every milestone, whether it's travelling independently, learning a new task or securing paid employment, starts with someone believing in your potential. We're incredibly proud of the life-changing impact our Job Coaches make every day.

Photo by the talented Rebecca Brooker Photography
# teamlittlegate

13/08/2026

The workshop team has been out and about again in Battle!

We stopped by 10 different workplaces to see what types of jobs would be available there, and which skills would be needed.

The trainees then linked this to CV writing, thinking of examples of how they have demonstrated those skills before in previous work and on the farm.

This was not only a good opportunity to see what different jobs are available in the local community, but also to see how their own skills are transferable to many different positions and workplaces.

Bonus points for the sun ☀️

12/08/2026

🐾 A Walk Full of Learning, Confidence and Smiles 🦙💚

At Little Gate, our Work Training Animal Project supports adults with learning disabilities, autism, or both, to develop valuable transferable skills that can help them move towards meaningful employment.

From learning about weights and measures to animal care, teamwork and communication, our trainees gain hands-on experience while building confidence and independence in a supportive environment.

With a welcome break in the hot weather, our animal team recently enjoyed taking alpacas Obi and Oliver out for a stroll. 🦙🌿

Not only is this fantastic socialisation for our alpacas, but it also provides a wonderful opportunity for our trainees to practise focus, patience, communication, and responsible animal handling. Leading and caring for such gentle animals requires trust, confidence, and teamwork, making it a valuable learning experience for everyone involved.

Judging by the smiles all round, our trainees, Obi and Oliver thoroughly enjoyed their walk together! ❤️

We're incredibly proud of the progress our trainees make every day, developing the skills, confidence and resilience that will support them on their journey towards employment and greater independence.

🦙💚

11/08/2026

At Little Gate, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to work.

Yet only around 26% of adults with a learning disability known to their local authority are in paid employment, despite many more wanting to work.

Through our Supported Employment service, we work with both job seekers and employers to match people with the right opportunities, providing ongoing support to help them succeed and thrive in the workplace.

Photos taken by Rebecca Brooker Photography

10/08/2026

Last week we celebrated Giles graduation!

Giles has a paid role with Community Compost Solutions, which he thoroughly enjoys.

He has been a real pillar of Little Gate, always representing us at different events and out in the local community. Even recently meeting Prince William!

Giles has spent lots of time in all our departments and has shown great work ethic and creativity in each. Most notably, designing the farms very own sensory garden.

Giles, you will be missed, but we wish you all the best for the future! ⭐️

A huge thank you to our amazing funders Julia Rausing Trust and The Henry Smith Charity for supporting our Work Training programme, and enabling Work Trainees like Giles to gain paid employment.

07/08/2026

Feel Good Friday 💫💚

Every day that starts with looking after these cheeky goats is a good day!

Our animal team trainees help with feeding, mucking out, grooming and carrying out daily health checks, making sure all of our animals are happy and well cared for. Alongside learning about animal welfare, they're also building teamwork, communication and time management skills through their daily routines!

Photos by Rebecca Brooker Photography

06/08/2026

Last week at the farm we celebrated Jordan's graduation!

Jordan has a paid role at Hastings Sofa Company and was ready for the next steps in his journey.

He has had lots of work experience in his time with us, and has built up a very impressive CV.

From herding sheep, baking cakes to a lot of manual labour, Jordan has given everything at the farm his best efforts and has been a great role model for other trainees.

He will be missed, but we truly wish him all the best in his future! 🌟

Thank you to our amazing funders and Julia Rausing Trust for supporting our Work Training Programme at Little Gate Farm. With your valuable help we are really changing lives.

02/08/2026

Thank you Hastings United for your wonderful support, and very well done to Skye and Jacob for your brilliant hard work.💚

Club President Dave Ormerod presents Skye Barker, a trainer placement from Little Gate Farm, with a Certificate of Appreciation for her work at the Club during the summer break.
Together with fellow trainee Jacob, they helped the Club ground staff with several maintenance tasks including cutting back the overgrown shrubs and trees along the Elphinstone Road frontage.

Little Gate Farm is based in Beckley (Registered Charity Number:1153584)
‘Our mission is to help people with learning disabilities and autism into paid work.
We do this through our Supported Work Training Programme, finding Supported Employment and Supported Apprenticeship opportunities, and continuing to support both our trainees and their employers throughout their career.’