Surrey-based children’s charity Change of Scene has secured a new site by partnering with a fellow voluntary organisation nearby.
Change of Scene has been operating from Farnham for 17 years but has to leave its current site by the end of June next year due to the upcoming expiration of its lease.
The charity was preparing to formalise a long-term agreement for premises in West Sussex but was informed on short notice that the land has restrictive rules on permitting shooting by third parties and the deal collapsed, resulting in the loss of £20,000.
Following this, Change of Scene announced that it would be forced to close without securing a new home.
This month, the charity announced that a newly registered organisation called Wishanger Wellness has offered Change of Scene a 25-year lease on its site, Tara’s Farm, in Frensham.
A planning application has been submitted to Waverley council and Change of Scene hopes to relocate by the Easter holidays next year.
However, Change of Scene is fundraising to pay for the costs of the move and the new infrastructure required to run the charity, which it estimates at £400,000.
Without these funds, Change of Scene, which recorded an income for the last financial year of £261,000, including £10,000 in government funding, said it will be still be forced to close.
Currently, over £175,000 has been raised for the charity, which supports young people with ASD and ADHD through caring for animals, insects and other practical-based outdoor activities.
New charity set up
After establishing Wishanger Wellness in 2024, Liz and David Wenmen transferred the ownership of their property to the charity in early 2025.
The charity’s purpose is similar to Change of Scene as it focuses on nurturing the mental health and wellbeing of those in the local community. As of yet, the charity has no employees or active volunteers as it has been recently set up.
The site, when opened, will be exclusively available to charities, groups and community interest companies engaging in ecotherapy. It will not be open to the general public.
Wenman said: “We welcome Change of Scene to their new home, and we hope the children enjoy this special place as much as we do.”
Pam Robinson, chief executive of Change of Scene, said: “The perfect setting in the perfect location came along at the perfect time.
“We’re so excited to be starting this new chapter for Change of Scene in partnership with Wishanger Wellness, and to continue to support our young people to be the best they can be.”
