Project Description

About The Third Space

The Third Space at Rhubarb Farm brings together our substance use recovery community hub and recovery support offer into one connected service. It is a welcoming, low-barrier space where adults can build confidence, feel less isolated, and reconnect with community in a way that feels safe and manageable.

The Third Space exists alongside our Farm placements. While the Farm offers structured outdoor activity and therapeutic horticulture, The Third Space provides a flexible indoor community environment focused on connection, hope, inspiration, meaning, wellbeing and peer support.

We welcome people who benefit from routine, gentle encouragement, meaningful activity, and the opportunity to belong without pressure.

Our approach is lived-experience-led, person-centred and strength-based. We work alongside people (not over them), helping them take part in a way that feels comfortable, achievable and respectful of their individual needs.

Everyone engages differently. We adapt pacing, participation and support to what feels right for each person on the day.

What The Third Space Offers and Times

The Third Space is a designated Lived Experience Recovery Organisation (LERO). This means it is led and shaped by people with lived experience of substance use and recovery, who use that experience to create safe, stigma-free community support. We prioritise connection, belonging and recovery capital, helping people rebuild identity, confidence and purpose alongside others.

We provide a range of community-based groups and informal support, including:

• Peer-led recovery groups – open, supportive sessions focused on connection and shared experience. Mondays 9-1, Fridays 2-4. Neuro diverse friendly sessions available upon request.
• Women’s group (“She Thrives”) – a gentle, supportive space for women to explore wellbeing, identity and recovery. Tuesdays 11-3
• Evening peer support group – accessible out-of-hours support led by members of our community. Thursdays (biweekly) 4-7
• Creative sessions – art, discussion, reflection and expression-based activities. Wednesdays 12-4
• Practical support and 1:1 appointments – help with forms, housing, appointments and navigating services. (Any time)
• Community events – sound baths, workshops and seasonal gatherings. (see Facebook page for details)

All sessions are low-pressure and optional. No one is expected to speak or share unless they choose to. People can attend regularly or drop in as needed.

Activities and groups may evolve depending on community needs and feedback.

Location

The Third Space
Langwith Community Centre
Portland Road
NG20 9EZ

What the Farm Placements Offer

Alongside The Third Space, Rhubarb Farm offers structured therapeutic placements in a safe outdoor setting.

Farm placements provide:

• Therapeutic horticulture and gardening
• Animal care (donkey, pony, pigs, hens)
• Site maintenance and development projects
• Structured routine and meaningful activity
• Confidence building and skill development

Placements are suitable for adults who benefit from routine, practical activity and small-group support. Referral forms are required for Farm Placements, and support levels are agreed individually.

Together, The Third Space and Farm Placements create a joined-up pathway from informal engagement to structured activity and progression.

Levels of Support Available

The Third Space is designed to be flexible. People can engage in different ways depending on their confidence, support needs and stage of recovery.

1. Open Access Community Support

Suitable for most people.

• Attend drop-in sessions and groups
• Informal peer-led support
• Safe, welcoming environment
• Encouragement to build connection and confidence

2. Supported Engagement

For individuals who benefit from more structured support.

• Regular check-ins with a Support Worker
• Signposting and advocacy support
• Help navigating services or appointments
• Opportunities to build routine and stability

3. Progression Pathways

For individuals ready to move forward.

• Volunteer opportunities within The Third Space
• Peer leadership roles
• Progression into Rhubarb Farm placements
• Support into training, employment or further recovery steps

Engagement can change over time. We review this together to make sure support matches each person’s needs.

This service is free for anyone living in Derbyshire.

 

Who the Service Is For

The Third Space may be suitable for adults who:

• Are in recovery from drug or alcohol use
• Are managing mental health challenges and using unhealthy coping strategies
• Are neurodivergent who self-medicate and seeking inclusive environment
• Are feeling isolated or disconnected
• Would benefit from low-pressure community support
• Do not feel comfortable in traditional services

We welcome people with a wide range of experiences. The space is designed to reduce stigma and remove barriers.

No referral is required for drop-ins and community hub sessions. Referral forms are required for Farm Placements.

If someone is unsure whether The Third Space is right for them, we encourage an informal visit to meet the team and see the environment.

How Support Works

Support at The Third Space is built on trust, consistency and lived experience.

Our team provides:

• A calm, welcoming environment
• Peer-led facilitation
• Practical support and guidance
• Encouragement to build confidence and independence
• A non-judgemental, stigma-free atmosphere

Support is responsive. Some days someone may need quiet presence. Other days they may need practical help. We adapt accordingly.

The Third Space works in harmony with Rhubarb Farm placements, local recovery services and community organisations to provide joined-up pathways.

Please note this is not an abstinence-based service, nor is it a rehab or religious programme.

What a Typical Day Looks Like

Each group has its own rhythm, but a typical session may include:

• Arrival and informal check-in
• Tea and conversation
• Structured discussion or activity (optional)
• Opportunities for reflection or sharing
• Practical support where needed
• Time to wind down and close

There is no pressure to contribute verbally. Participation looks different for everyone.

Transport and Access

Minibus transport is currently available from pick‑up points in Chesterfield, Bolsover, Clowne, Whitwell, Creswell, and Shirebrook for Farm Placements. Transport is optional and can be purchased separately. We take accessibility needs into account when planning routes.

Transport routes and pick‑up locations may be adjusted depending on demand, accessibility needs, and availability.

Langwith is also served by trains from Worksop and Nottingham (every two hours) and three public bus routes: Bus 1 (Chesterfield), Bus 23 (Mansfield), and Bus 109 (Worksop).

Combined offer: The Third Space and Farm

Rhubarb Farm placements and The Third Space now operate as a combined wellbeing and recovery offer.

The Farm provides:

• Outdoor therapeutic activity
• Structured routine and skill-building
• Animal care and horticulture

The Third Space provides:

• Indoor community-based support
• Peer-led groups
• Flexible engagement

Together, they create a progression pathway – from isolation to connection, from connection to confidence, and from confidence to purpose.

How to Access the Service

There are two main ways to engage:

• Open access attendance – simply attend scheduled groups.
• For Farm Placements either self-refer or seek referral via Adult Social Care, Recovery Services, or other professionals.

To find out more:

Email recovery@rhubarbfarm.co.uk
Call 01623 741210
Or visit us at Langwith Community Centre, Portland Road, NG20 9EZ.

We aim to respond to enquiries within two working days.

Our Commitment

We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment where people are treated with dignity and respect.

The Third Space is somewhere outside of home and work, a place to belong, rebuild confidence and reconnect with community.

You do not need to be “fixed” to attend – you just need somewhere to land.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEgGU2jOT3I&t=7s