Nestled on the cliff top of Britain’s most easterly town, Pakefield All Saints church, Suffolk, is taking an innovative approach to children and youth ministry, along with wider community outreach. The team has started Pakefield Pastures - a mobile care farm serving the church’s young people and local community.
In 2023, a field less than a mile from the church became available to rent. Soon after, the church rescued a donkey called Amos, and so Pakefield Pastures was born. By summer 2024, it became a registered Community Interest Company and is now home to nearly 50 animals. This includes:
- 25 lambs.
- Five alpacas.
- Five goats.
- Two pigs.
- Two donkeys.
- A flock of chickens (known as ‘the disciples’).
- A miniature Shetland pony.
The farm’s animals visit schools, care homes and community groups. ‘It’s incredible seeing people light up as they interact with the animals,’ says the Rev Sharon Lord, Rector of Pakefield All Saints.
The inspiration for Pakefield Pastures came from Katey Mills, the church’s Children and Families worker. While studying for her children's and youth ministry degree in 2020, Katey’s dissertation focused on how animals impact mental well-being. After spending time at a nearby care farm, Katey felt called to use animals to help people.
The care farm recently visited a Mencap café for people with learning disabilities. Sharon recalls:
‘Everyone was really engaged with the animals. One lady was stroking a rabbit and her carer said, “I've never seen her so calm”.’
Back at church, the animals have also impacted the youth ministry.
‘The children respond to the animals in ways that we couldn’t have imagined,’ says Sharon. ‘The animals seem to open up conversations. One boy, who usually struggles to sit still, will even stay seated with a lamb on his knee!’
Research supports what Pakefied All Saints is experiencing, animal therapy can ease symptoms of anxiety and depression1, and improve wellbeing for people with dementia2, making care farms like Pakefield Pastures a valuable asset to the community.
Thanks to God’s provision, this creative ministry is nurturing the spiritual growth of its youth and strengthening community ties.
‘We know God's in this because everything has slotted into place,’ says Sharon. ‘He’s provided the animals, the field, the right people at the right time, even covering vet bills and supplies through anonymous donations.’
The church’s congregation also supports the ministry through prayer and regular fundraising, including monthly tabletop sales in the church hall.
Pakefield Pastures recently received a £10,000 grant from the council. Katey said, ‘It’s an enormous boost to our work and will enable us to take more animals to people to help reduce their anxiety, improve their well-being, and provide more support to young people and community groups.’
To find out more about Pakefield Pastures, search ‘Pakefield Pastures’ on Facebook.
TAKEAWAY - Not every church has the resources to run a care farm, but are there other opportunities for you to reach your community in an innovative way? If you’re an animal-lover, why not consider starting an annual pet service at your church? You can visit www.aswa.org.uk (Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals) for more ideas and resources.