How we restore hope to young lives
Dandelion Time is a nature-based charity that gives early support to children who’ve suffered from traumatic experiences such as domestic abuse and neglect. We help them overcome their emotional and behavioural issues to build self-esteem and confidence, and cope better at home, at school and in life.
Health, education and social care services face huge financial pressures and aren’t always the right solution for children with such issues: Dandelion Time fills this gap, with the potential to save services over £1m for every 100 children.* Our families take part in a ten-week programme of nature and craft activities, with one-to-one support from skilled therapeutic staff.
We are a catalyst to bring about change for each child so that they can become resilient and thrive despite the toughest of conditions, just like a dandelion.
A unique setting and approach, a strong and lasting impact
Our farm setting provides a therapeutic space in which children can feel safe and families unjudged. It promotes wellbeing and helps pause even the busiest of minds.
Working with the family
Our approach focuses on the whole family in context and the challenges they’ve faced, helping them heal together and discover opportunities to bring about change and bring about hope.
Working with nature
Spending time in nature is healing, engaging and fulfilling. Activities such as planting seeds, collecting eggs, and caring for the donkeys and sheep help to strengthen bonds and create happy memories.
Working with crafts
Hands-on crafts, like kneading dough, felting and woodwork, help families connect in new ways. Children can see the benefits of persevering through difficulties, and build confidence in their abilities and a sense of achievement.
A place and time to love and trust again
Our founding farm-and-field location is in West Farleigh, Maidstone. Our two woodland branches in Ashford and Shorne, are calming rural sanctuaries that give a child and their family a much-needed chance to play, experiment and reconnect.
Helping children with challenging emotional issues
A child referred to Dandelion Time may be struggling due to trauma, abuse or neglect. They may be fragile, withdrawn or showing aggression, and even excluded from school. We work with both the child and their family, helping them heal relationships and thrive.
Help us make a difference
Donate
We’re so grateful to our generous funders and are always keen to hear from private donors and corporate partners.
Fundraise
Could you run a marathon? Hold a quiz night? Or come up with your own challenge? If you have the time and energy, we’ll support you all the way!
Volunteer
Can you spare a few hours to help out on our farm or in our garden?
1,051+
families have been supported by Dandelion Time since the programme launched in 2003
Disseminating our therapeutic methodology
Since 2014, we have been running certified training courses built on the knowledge and experience we have gained over the last 20 years which are aimed at professionals, volunteers and our staff.
*Making a difference: Breaking the link between school exclusion & social exclusion, IPPR, 2017
