I just wanted to share a few words because it really is a privilege to now be supporting Ferriers Barn.

Ferriers Barn is one of those rare places where you can feel the heart of the community the minute you walk through the door. The members are welcomed as they are, families feel reassured, and the whole atmosphere reflects genuine care, joy and belonging. What you do doesn’t just support people, it strengthens the whole community around them.

The AGM really brought that to life for me. Hearing the members speak in their own words was magical. It was so clear that Ferriers Barn is their place – their daycare centre, their social hub, their safe and happy space. Their pride in the Barn says more than any report ever could.

As a charity, you offer so much more than activities and day support. You give people a place to thrive, to feel included and valued, and to be part of something meaningful. That ripple effect reaches far beyond the Barn itself, and that’s why you are so loved locally.

From my own experience since beginning working alongside you, I can honestly say the dedication behind the scenes is incredible. The passion, the creativity, and the commitment to your members shines through everything you do. Being able to support the Barn now is something I’m genuinely proud of.

Ferriers Barn is absolutely an important part of our community – and a cherished one.

Nicola x

To whom it may concern

We are so very fortunate to have Ferriers Barn in our small village community.

They offer so much, not just for their members but for their associated carers and families. Our local village shop frequently collects small change, and whilst not a fortune, every donation is gratefully received. They have local events where the members have made works of art to sell to help swell the funds. A proactive approach and dedicated team make this a well respected, popular and valued asset to the village.

I wish them continued success

Regards

Deborah Monk

I have been a regular volunteer now at Ferriers Barn for 7/8 years and it is the most wonderful and happy place.

The service it provides for it's "members" is fantastic, offering so many different options from woodwork, art & crafts, pottery, music, games, visiting local places like wildlife parks, ten pin bowling, Christmas Panto, crazy golf etc.

Often people come to Ferriers for visits too like small therapy animals, keep fit classes, Makaton lessons, the ice cream van in the summer as a treat and many others.

It is a much-needed day centre for both the disabled adults (the members) but also important respite for their families and carers. I see how much the members enjoy their days at Ferriers every week. Ferriers Barn is very much a part of the local community and is involved and often helps the local community - it is a two-way deal.

Ferriers members have helped run pop-up cafes and a monthly "shop"/foodbank for Ukrainians initially and subsequently for anyone who needs this service, they have made bug boxes for the local railway station and given artwork to local pubs and restaurants. Ferriers does involve its members in the local community as much as possible. In return the local community are hugely supportive of Ferriers, whether they come to Christmas Bazaar's or quiz nights/bingo nights held to raise funds for the charity and locals have even run the London Marathon for Ferriers. This relationship shows how much the local community values Ferriers and is very supportive of the charity.

As a local myself, I am extremely proud to have such an amazing day centre for disabled adults in our village.

Fiona Crace

Leah Rolph

I enjoy coming to ferries barn after the bridge project closed I like that fact I can just be an adult and I like the arts crafts the staff members are so lovely and kind and welcomed me to the day centre I feel like Iv known them a long time lovely and chilled and quite thank you 2025 what will 2026 bring

Rosie Eagling

I , love coming to Ferriers Barn it's very happy safe place and lots of fun and amazing staff and volunteers. I love going there it's the best day service I ever been to . And it's very calming relaxed and I love all the members there . Love doing chrismasy things and bingo and music on alexia and quizzes and making things painting and making bracelets with the beeds. I love you lots all lots . Love Rosie X X x x

Karen

"After my brother Mark's, previous Centre (The Bridge Project) was abruptly closed, with 3 days notice and to date no explanation given (we are still looking for answers via the Charity Commission,  Sudbury Town Council and Look East (to investigate), we arrived at Ferriers Barn.

I believe he was quite traumatised at suddenly all friendships cut off and as he had no input or any form of help for over 25 years, from anyone other than our late parents, he has little self confidence anyway, so having to leave The Bridge Project after 10 years of weekly visits, I was worried at how, at 62 years old, no confidence, very shy, he would be starting again.

Here we are 2 years later and he really loves FB and looks forward to going weekly. The dedication of the staff is very obvious; as far as I'm aware, Mark still has all the same faces there. They seem to really value him as a member of the FB family.   The building is in the most perfect location and I always feel a sense of peace and tranquility when I leave him there, (he is collected), so I'm sure he must feel the same. My brother, born with a cognitive disability and that I have witnessed, for all of my life and which has excluded him from most other places, is welcomed and for a few short hours is allowed to be himself and treated as an individual within a family of diverse learning disabilities.  How the team facilitate everyone's specific needs is just amazing and being a former teacher, I can empathise with exactly how much work it takes to achieve this balance.  Mark not only receives a boost to his mental health whilst attending, but has produced some of the most beautiful and quite intricate artwork through different types of media and has been able to realise that he enjoys and is quite good at pottery and collage.  I think of late the most benefit he has gained from FB is the "drama" and singing, which is always on the day he attends. In my opinion, adults with learning disabilities respond to routine and order.  This is something that Ferriers absolutely gives without question. Mark comes back full of what he has done, usually singing something from ABBA.  I feel that Mark is totally supported by FB in his mental health, sometimes he feels sad for lots of reasons and I know that FB will support him if needs be; boosting his self esteem through the activities, but most of all, he feels part of an extremely worthwhile group of people who all have one mission in mind - supporting those who have very little support from what must be at times, a very challenging world.

Thank you Ferriers for giving me one day a week where I can have a few hours off from worrying about him and I can have a "normal" work experience."

Paula

I highly recommend Ferriers Barn as a wonderful day centre for adults with learning disabilities.

My son Alex attends on Tuesdays & Fridays and has benefitted greatly from being part of the centre. Since 

Attending, his mental health and confidence have improved significantly, and he has made some great friends.

The centre offers a variety of engaging activities, including art and gardening, which help members develop new skills, build confidence, and enjoy meaningful social interaction. The staff are caring , supportive, and welcoming, creating a safe  and inclusive environment for everyone. A delicious home cooked lunch is provided each day, adding to the warm  and friendly atmosphere.

Ferriers barn has made a real positive difference to Alex’s life, and I would highly recommend it to other adults with learning disabilities and there families.

Sharon

I have spoken to Stephen at length about his day device

Sc said he likes the music / colouring/ bingo but sc said we done play bingo much lately

Sc especially likes playing Domino’s and cards and he likes the food