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 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 some of our fruit and veg go to Elim Connect Centre where it is turned 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 Elim Connect for their community lunches & Frome Community Fridge.
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.
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 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.
Stephen Fowler, Founding Director
Married to Gill and they have 2 sons and 5 grandchildren. Previously working in law Stephen has worked in the 3rd sector with vulnerable adults for 15 years pioneering extensive services at Connect Centre was both the CEO and senior Pastor.
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.
Sue Cross-Bourton, Manager
Sue joined Root Connections July 2018.
She 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.
Helen Musgrave, Head Gardener
I am the Head Gardener at Root Connections, so I look after the operations within the garden throughout the year; from setting out the years growing plans, facilitating our Volunteer Land Days, planning the weekly tasks, to picking and packing the weekly veg boxes & fulfilling trade orders. Growing vegetables is my passion, and to do so with the amazing volunteer team that we have at Roots is a real joy
Rachel Kehoe (Seasonal Grower)
Rachel joins us on a fixed term funded contract until Dec 2023. Rachel will be supporting Helen in the garden & co-facilitating Land Days on a Tues & Fri.
Rachel comes from an academic research background – with a passion for growing & great knowledge of the local area.
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.
Vineyard Bath - Somer Valley
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.
