A message from our new Patron

'I've spent many years speaking up for wild animals that don't have a voice of their own in our human world, and protecting the wild places they need to survive. Along the way I've learned that nature doesn’t ask anything of us, it simply gives us space to be ourselves, and the power to heal.

 

That's exactly what Huckleberries does. It's a small charity in Surrey doing something I think is quite extraordinary. It gives children who are struggling with their mental health, or finding it difficult to go into school, the space and opportunity to learn and recover in their own way, outdoors, among animals and nature. They talk about passion-led learning at Huckleberries and having seen it I understand why. Every child is good at something, it just sometimes takes the right place, and the right people, to help them find it, to be inspired and engaged.

 

I know so many children today who are growing up anxious, disconnected, unsure of themselves. Childhood should be about more than getting through. Children need room to enjoy being children, to explore what they love, and to be happy. It’s not a luxury; it’s something every child deserves.

 

When I visited Huckleberries, I felt the healing for myself. I held a newly hatched chick, got stuck into making clay with the children, picked up a guitar and played alongside them, and even tasted their camp cooking. I saw some of their recent projects too, from a dead-hedge two boys had built on their own, to work exploring fast fashion and its impact on Ghana. There's an atmosphere of calmness that's hard to put into words. I watched children who'd lost parts of themselves quietly finding their way back.

 

So, it means a great deal to me to say that I've accepted the invitation to become Patron of Huckleberries. I'm proud to add my name to what they're doing, and I hope more people will come to know and support this remarkable charity'.
— Sir Brian May

Having spent time with us and seen our work first-hand, Sir Brian understands the difference that being in nature, caring for animals, and the freedom to learn differently can make to children who are struggling to thrive in mainstream education.

Huckleberries - a place to be me

For some children, school or life's wider challenges can become overwhelming, leaving them struggling with their self-esteem, confidence and mental health. At Huckleberries, we create a calm, nurturing environment where children feel they belong, can be themselves, reconnect, and rediscover the joy of learning. Through nature, animals, therapeutic activities and passion-led learning, we help children rebuild their confidence, develop trust and relationships, and find their own way forward.

About Huckleberries

Since 2019, we’ve supported more than 400 children across our Nurture Farm.

We work with children experiencing emotional wellbeing challenges including anxiety, low self-esteem, autistic or ADHD overwhelm or burnout, childhood trauma, difficult family circumstances, and Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA).

70% of children attend completely free of charge, helping ensure that support is available to those who need it most.

We’re delighted that Sir Brian is joining us as Patron and helping us raise awareness of the children who can too easily be overlooked. His support will help us to widen our reach to more people who can help, and advocate for alternative approaches to education and children’s mental health.

Click DONATE to help us give more children the space to thrive

Every child deserves somewhere they can feel safe, understood and able to be themselves.

Your support helps Huckleberries continue to provide a nurturing place where children can rebuild confidence, reconnect and discover what they’re capable of.

Press & media

For interviews, photography, further information or media enquiries info@huckleberries.org.uk