TWO Colchester charities have been featured in the Parliamentary Review magazine as shining examples of best practice in their field.

Dancing Giraffe's chief executive officer Susan Pattrick focused on inclusion.

The Marks Tey community interest company (CIC) works with disabled people and their carers, supporting them access information and services which help them in their daily lives.

Ms Pattrick wrote: "We want to see inclusion in every aspect of life.

"Disabled people are resourceful and adaptable, as shown by their ability to overcome the significant barriers life has placed in their way.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Eddie Clampin racing in the Superhero Series for disabled athletes

"They tend to embody the personality traits people are looking for in both business and society.

"To recognise this, however, people need to see past the disability and look at the person."

Managing director of the second CIC, Ellie Goff, told the Review how Wellies-On practices person-centered care through the therapeutic use of farming.

Its 40-acre farm in Abberton provides solace for adults and children with mental health issues, learning disabilities and special educational needs, as well as recovering drug and alcohol abusers, dementia groups, homeless people and older adults.

As finalists in the People's Projects, Wellies-On need your votes to secure a £49,000 grant before 12 noon on Monday.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Wellies-On Ellie Goff and Katie Valentine share their lambs with Callum and Amelia Mutch, both 10.

She wrote: "The last decade has seen a huge change in mental health and wellbeing awareness. As a culture, we've started to recognise the possibility of recovery through experiential therapy.

"Care farming is a community-based non-clinical approach to care.

"Currently, there is a major issue for 16-19-year-olds who are suffering with anxiety. Funding isn't yet available for them to receive the much-needed support to complete their education.

"We need clinical commissioning groups to recognise the value of nature-based interventions, which can have a tremendous impact on the mental health not only of our children but also of future adults in our communities.

"I cannot stress how important it is for primary aged intervention and prevention to take place as part of their learning experience."

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Ellie Goff with her magazine copy

Co-chaired by Lord Pickles and Lord Blunkett, the Parliamentary Review is a guide to best practice across a variety of different industries, in both the private and public sectors.

Its principal aim is to raise industry standards by producing a template for future reform.

The March release of the publication is acknowledged for its importance in the political calendar.

Read both articles here and here.

Vote for Wellies-On before Monday by clicking here.