Copy of 2025: A Year That Grew More Than We Ever Planned And Why 2026 Is Already Taking Root

thefarmingmother
Dec 31, 2025
4 min read

2025: A Year That Grew More Than We Ever Planned

And Why 2026 Is Already Taking Root

This time last year, I wrote a round-up thinking 2024 had been the whirlwind year. Growth, milestones, learning curves, all of it.

2025 quietly laughed at that.

I had plans. Big ones. But nothing could have prepared me for what this year actually became. Not just in achievements, but in how much adapting, learning and pivoting it demanded. Mostly because I underestimated myself and how this brand I built could grow and achieve with the right team and what this community was capable of building together.

Let’s be clear from the start: this year was not all rainbows and neatly tied bows. There were health concerns, trolls (yes, they’re staying firmly in the comments where they belong), and the very real, very relentless realities of life as a SEND parent.

But that’s the point, isn’t it? Real life still happens while the work continues. And there’s no spare headspace for noise when families need support and systems keep failing them.

A Seed Planted… and Fully Grown

One of the biggest decisions made a year ago was committing properly to grant applications. Families needed us more than ever, and they still do.

Families should be able to access the support their SEND children need through education and the NHS. But waiting lists are long, processes are complex, and support in a timely manner, too often depends on whether a family can afford to self-fund. That should never be the deciding factor.

When a child isn’t in education and a parent is forced to give up work just to keep things afloat, there’s little left for “extra” support, even when that support is essential.

At the same time, The Farming Mother still has bills to pay, animals to feed, land to maintain, and spaces to make safe and inclusive. Sustainability matters — because without it, none of this exists.

So we did the work.

In 2025, we secured huge amounts in grant funding for the CIC. That funding directly supported children and families and allowed us to continue developing a space that delivers what we promise:

real support, genuine community, wellbeing, inclusive education — and meaningful change.

Building Spaces That Actually Work

This year saw physical growth too — the kind you can touch, smell, dig into.

• Our sensory room became a reality

• The Sowing the Seeds allotment growing and cooking area took shape (it’s been such a huge hit we need to expand)

• The barn, greenhouse and paddocks were renovated and brought back to life giving more event space all year round

• More therapy animals were bred, raised and more animals were given safe, loving homes at the farm.

These aren’t just “facilities”. They’re tools. They’re regulation spaces. They’re confidence builders. They’re places where children and parents can breathe.

Community That Shows Up

We sold out events in minutes — often with just a single social media post (because sadly, no one’s psychic).

We delivered some of our largest events to date, navigating complex needs with a fraction of the staff, funding and resources of larger organisations — and still blew it out of the park.

Why?

Because lived experience, passion, preparation and commitment matter. (Plus a determined founding director -some may say stubborn that’s dedication to the mission)

Advocacy, Influence and Loud Voices

2025 also took us further into rooms where decisions are made.

• We went to Parliament — Keeley’s first time in London (yes, she survived, with many toilet breaks, breathing exercises, and a visit to Scamp and Dude)

• We consulted on policy, research and service development affecting SEND children and families

• More schools and community organisations reached out to work collaboratively — because it’s never this education type or that one, it’s a tailored approach for the child

• We featured in articles, press releases, radio interviews, stage talks and workshops

• We were nominated for awards and recognised by organisations who champion our values

And we didn’t stop holding systems to account or government officials (yes they may get fed up of the questions, emails and being held to account but at least they know we are not giving up) because when you work on the front line, you see exactly where things are breaking….. and these wellies are staying firmly on the ground ensuring the work is being carried out.

Strengthening the Roots

Keeley and the team continued to deepen their skills, training and knowledge, and that commitment doesn’t stop. Growth isn’t a one-off achievement; it’s ongoing.

We also collaborated with incredible individuals and organisations to widen access, improve referral pathways, and bring more joined-up support to families for education, health and wellbeing.

And yes — Keeley became a trustee for Home-Start Kernow, an organisation she deeply believes in. Another charity working at the sharp edge, bridging gaps between the NHS and community support. Funding challenges and all. (There’s definitely a theme here.)

Looking Ahead to 2026

2026 was already taking shape behind the scenes, but a recent health scare sharpened the focus.

Next year is about levelling up:

• Expanding online access to The Farming Mother’s resources and community

• Pushing harder for parental support funding and whole-family provision

• Deepening collaborations with organisations and community businesses

• Making bold, grown-up moves that reflect how much this work has outgrown its early beginnings

We’ll be bringing together green and blue space, woodland sessions, gatherings, learning, regulation, and connection, on the land and on the stage and across all media platforms.

This work is growing. And it’s only just getting started.