The Dairy House
The Direct Access Community (DAC) is an innovative project forged out of a partnership between Mendip District Council, Addicott Partners (Manor Farm) and the Connect Centre which launched in 2015 and is called the Dairy House. In addition to the services you would expect from a Direct Access service in terms of pro-actively working through a support plan, DAC operates as a community house. This has been spearheaded by Suzanne Addicott.
Our Residents
The residents cook and eat together, and engage in a number of structured activities including art, pottery, animal care and hedge-laying. This approach is focussed on a wholistic preparation for the next steps after leaving the farm. As part of the activities and wholistic treatment for residents a community garden was developed enabling volunteers from the local community and residents to come together and farm produce together.
We are a Community Interest Company (CIC) and our vision is to end rural homelessness.
Our mission is to improve health and wellbeing for adults, some with complex needs, primarily those who are rurally homeless and rough sleeping.
Dairy House
Root Connections is key to the wrap-around care & support provided to residents of the Dairy House (Direct Access Hostel) and to the wider community. By offering creative social and therapeutic pathways, our project re-connects vulnerable adults with complex needs to community life. The project aims to build confidence, re-engages, develops social skills and offers practical help around re-skilling and re-training for work & a more sustainable future.
Farm & Land
We have just under 2 acres based on a beautiful Dutchy Farm at Manor Farm in Stratton- on-the-Fosse, within which we grow vegetables, salad, seasonal cut flowers & potted perennial plants in the garden and our 3 polytunnels. The produce that we grow is used in numerous ways to connect with our local community and to continue to fund the project.
We regularly attend local farmers markets where we sell our fresh vegetables, honey and cut flowers, and we have links with local restaurants and farm shops who support us by using our produce.
The residents staying with us on-site in the Dairy House are welcome to use as much of the fresh produce as they like in their daily cooking, and where possible we turn our fruit & veg in to jams, chutney & pesto.
We also deliver veg boxes and flower bouquets within the local area and love how this connects us to our neighbours and community. If ever we have a glut of produce, we share it with local community projects, fridges & food banks/pantries.
Our Volunteer Team
In addition to our team members listed below we have an amazing team of volunteers that help out on our community garden two days a week. If you’re interested in volunteering with us click on the button below.
At Root Connections we are fortunate to have an experienced and committed team of staff and voluntary directors.
Rob and Suzanne Addicott, Founding Directors
Rob is a farmer and Suzanne works with vulnerable adults who are homeless and rough sleeping. Together they assist in helping the residents at Dairy House re-establish and re-build their lives. They have a beautiful family with Rob and Suzanne being the most hospitable people you will meet.
Cathy Bushill, Director & Education Lead
I joined Root Connections in December 2020 having recently retired as a senior leader within primary education. I am a resident of Stratton on the Fosse and am passionate about adventurous community projects that enable creative learning and understanding.
I am hoping to support the development of our Community Hub; connecting schools and groups to the project
Gayatri Barua-Howe, Director
Gayatri is a Communications and PR specialist, with over 25 years' experience in delivering and supporting communications strategy within public and private sector organisations. Gayatri joined the team at Roots in July 2020, having got to know about Root Connections and its work with the Dairy House through Suzanne – friend and running mate – while training for the Bath Half in 2018. A resident of the Dairy House at the time joined them on their training and learning a little about his story inspired a desire to lend her support to this amazing project. With her communications background and passion for people, she hopes to help tell the stories of its beneficiaries and its wonderful team of volunteers, and raise awareness of the fantastic work of the project.
Siobainn Chaplin, Director of Compliance & Safeguarding Officer
Siobainn is the most recent Director to join the board & has a wealth of knowledge regarding compliance & is Head of Safeguarding & Support at The National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain. Since joining the Board of Directors Siobainn has updated our policies, training, safer recruitment & continues to support the growth of the organisation.
Sue Cross-Bourton, Manager
Sue joined Root Connections July 2018, has been involved right from the beginning & instrumental in the strategic development & securing grant funding for the project.
Sue has had a 20+ year career in marketing before setting up her own catering business - she loves gardening, plot-to-plate & bringing people together, especially when there's food, good coffee & cake involved! Sue lives in Frome with her family.
Lily O’Dowd, Head Gardener
Lily joins us from Highgrove House in Tetbury & before that; Bridewell Organic Walled Garden, a mental health recovery service in Oxfordshire. Lily is passionate about addressing societal issues, transforming lives & supporting health & wellbeing - she’s also a jolly good gardener.
Our Partners
Addicott Partners
Our partners in providing the land to grow the produce, as well as in running workshops.
The Dairy House
Is a unique direct access hostel providing emergency housing for men and women aged 25 and over who are homeless or rough sleeping. This is our partnering beneficiary of all profits and proceeds.
Connect Community Church
Connect Centre is based in Wells, Somerset and works with vulnerable adults with complex needs. They provide support for those who are homeless, rough sleeping and many other needs through a variety of support provision.
Somerset Community Foundation
Generously provided the seed money to begin Root Connections as a Community Interest Company.
The National Lottery
Our regional Grants Officer has supported us with grants through Covid, provided funding for development work & continues to support us with our five year strategic vision.
Somer Valley Church Community
Somer Valley partner with Roots in helping with events, volunteering and praying for the success of the project!
Connect Community Church
In early 2018 The Connect Centre won some funding from Somerset Community Foundation to set up a Community Interest Company, which is a not-for-profit company where any profit goes towards ending homelessness. Our partnering charity oversee the management and running of the Dairy House and provide the additional wrap around support needed to give residents the best possible chance of recovery and positive progression.
We are a Community Interest Company (CIC)
Our project is based in Somerset, UK. If you want to get in touch with us please use the link below.
New Fruit Productions
Our Root Connections film was produced and edited by our friends at New Fruit Productions. Check out their website and portfolio using the link below or email hello@newfruit.co.uk.
