Smiles Sensory & Family Farm

We are absolutely delighted, incredibly proud and a little bit emotional to announce that Smiles has been nominated for Outstanding Contribution to the Community (Judges’ Award) at the East Sussex Care Awards 2026!

What an incredible honour! 

For those who don’t know the full extent of what we do, Smiles is so much more than just a farm.

We are a small, non-profit, volunteer-run organisation dedicated to making a difference to the lives of people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

So, what do we actually do?

• Provide one-to-one support for children, young people and adults with SEND, additional needs and mental health challenges.
• Work alongside schools and families, supporting young people who struggle in mainstream education, including those with social, emotional and mental health difficulties.
• Welcome home-educated children, helping them develop confidence, independence and life skills.
• Support adults experiencing anxiety, loneliness, social isolation and mental health difficulties.
• Provide opportunities for older members of our community to enjoy companionship, animal interaction and the benefits of nature.
• Work with Youth Justice services, offering young people opportunities to develop skills, confidence and responsibility.
• Provide volunteering opportunities, including Duke of Edinburgh placements, develop skills and a sense of belonging.
• Welcome families to enjoy quality time together in a relaxed, inclusive environment.

But sometimes, what we do is much simpler than all of that.

• Sometimes it’s giving someone a reason to get out of bed.
• Sometimes it’s watching a child who struggles to communicate begin to open up.
• Sometimes it’s seeing someone overwhelmed by anxiety finally relax.
• And sometimes it’s simply sitting quietly beside a donkey, with no expectations, pressure or judgement.

Those moments are why Smiles exists. 

We don’t have huge budgets or fancy facilities. What we do have is four acres of countryside, wonderful animals, an extraordinary team of volunteers and a genuine passion for making a difference.

Our volunteers give their time, energy and dedication throughout the year, in all weathers, and without them none of this would be possible.

To be nominated for Outstanding Contribution to the Community means more than words can express, because that is exactly what we set out to do.

We may be a small organisation, but we hope the difference we make is enormous.

To whoever nominated us, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. To our volunteers, families, visitors, local businesses and everyone who supports us, this nomination belongs to you too.

Whatever happens at the awards, we are incredibly proud of what we have achieved together.

One person, one visit, one smile at a time. 

Thank you from all of us at Smiles Sensory & Family Farm!