Mental health project seeks vintage tractor

An organisation helping people recover from mental health issues is hunting for a vintage tractor to restore.

This summer, the Wellies project, based in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, is hoping to engage isolated members of the rural community who are interested in helping renovate an old tractor.

“It can be hard to engage older men who are isolated, so we really hope this will help to bring them to our group,” said project manager Nick Platt.

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The project began six years ago, with Nick and his business partner Julie White helping farmers to diversify and get involved with local mental health charities.

Farmers involved offer their farms as a place to host therapeutic activities in the countryside such as helping with livestock and making gates.

Nick and Julie hope a local farmer might have a vintage tractor in need of tender loving care to donate.

“I would love to have this under way by the summer and hope there is someone out there who has a tractor lying around that is being unloved,” Julie said.

Nick and Julie believe if time is spent on the tractor each week it will be ready to take to shows in the summer, offering members of the team more opportunity to get involved with local communities.

If you have something to offer contact Julie on 07971 666 474 or Nick on 07767 844 921. The tractor can be collected.