Introduction to the Programmes

 

SOCIAL AND THERAPEUTIC HORTICULTURE

 

This pathway focuses on the benefits of horticulture and gardening for vulnerable or socially excluded adults, including for example, those with learning difficulties, mental health support needs and substance abuse recovery clients.

Sailship staffs are trained and certified in the practice of STH with Thrive (www.thrive.org.uk).

 

Participants will take part in a range of activities including;

• Planting

• Cultivating

• Harvesting

• Digging

• Constructing etc.

 

They will also benefit from social opportunities – STH (Social and Therapeutic Horticulture) helps to develop closer relationships between vulnerable (socially excluded) and non – vulnerable (socially included) people in our local community as the allotments are shared by all.

 

Education, training and activities such as marketing and selling produce, providing participants with activities in a structured format that resembles ‘employment’ will be offered by a fully trained horticulturalist and a number of Support Staff also trained in STH practice.

 

Participants will work to an individual support and learning plan and will be offered opportunities to work in a team, or on their own, without the pressure normally associated with employment. This can help to promote a sense of identity and status among participants and helps to build self-esteem and confidence. Our trained staffs play an important part in helping to boost participants’ self-confidence in a number of ways, for example, increasing their level of responsibility, facilitating their work to ensure that trainees succeed, demonstrating that major tasks are achievable and teaching new skills. The confidence gained through the acquisition of skills and knowledge can also have a positive effect on participants’ relationships with their families and friends.

Opportunities for self-reflection, relaxation and restoration, as well as increased access to growing things, nature, being outside and the peace of the natural environment are all important aspects of STH. The natural environment can also be restorative in that it may be fascinating and relaxing whilst it therefore promotes general feelings of well-being.

 

This programme also offers participants the opportunity to engage in a regular, structured form of outdoor physical activity. Many of the tasks, such as digging or hard landscaping, require substantial effort, but for many this activity can also make them feel better, both physically and psychologically. This may be especially valuable to groups such as those with learning difficulties or mental health problems, who can be at greater risk of developing serious illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, which may be prevented or attenuated by higher levels of physical activity.

STH promotes social inclusion and is a useful and effective form of health and social care provision. STH can also provide a break for participants from the usual routine in day-care facilities. Further reading: www.thrive.org.uk