A Sharpham-based community of people with learning disabilities has featured on national television.
Channel 4 trained people working at Lower Sharpham Farm to interview each other for a ground-breaking oral history project called Our Life Stories.
The broadcaster screened a mini-documentary (below) and the interviews will tour the country before being archived permanently in the British Museum.
Earlier this year, a film crew from Channel 4 visited Lower Sharpham Farm to document a training session where participants learnt the craft of listening, asking meaningful questions, and recording powerful life stories.
"The atmosphere was warm and open, and people felt safe enough to talk about things that really mattered to them – from coming to terms with their sexuality, to dealing with the pain of losing loved ones, to the lasting impact of being bullied. It was moving, honest, and full of heart," said a spokesperson for Channel 4.
The participating adults are supported at Lower Sharpham Farm by United Response, a charity working with young people and adults with a range of mental health needs and disabilities – including learning disabilities, autism, acquired brain injury, sensory impairments and dementia.
The adults there take part in the organic farming and rewilding projects happening on The Sharpham Estate.
Read the full story here
At the heart of the Sharpham Trust ethos is our desire to build a more mindful, compassionate and environmentally sustainable world.
We connect people with nature and foster mindfulness and well-being through our programme of retreats, mindfulness courses, outdoor learning and the arts.
© 2025 Sharpham Trust | The Sharpham Trust Sharpham House, Ashprington, Totnes, Devon, UK TQ9 7UTReceive regular updates on courses, events and more by subscribing to our newsletter.
