Health, well-being and social inclusion: Therapeutic horticulture in the UK

Description

Although there is growing interest among health and social care professionals in the social and therapeutic value of horticulture, there is little evidence that demonstrates the range of outcomes for vulnerable groups, including those with learning difficulties and mental health problems. This report addresses this gap in knowledge and presents the findings of the Growing Together project, the first detailed study of horticulture and gardening projects across the UK. Drawing on the results of a survey of over 800 projects, and in-depth case studies and interviews with vulnerable adults who use horticulture and gardening as a form of therapy, the report: describes and discusses the benefits to vulnerable adults of attending gardening and horticulture projects, provides demographic information about the distribution of projects in the UK and participation in these projects by vulnerable adults, analyses the processes involved in promoting and achieving health and well being outcomes using gardening, horticulture and related activities, makes policy and practice recommendations in respect of how best to promote social inclusion using social and therapeutic horticulture.

Joe Sempik and Jo Aldridge are Research Fellows in the Department of Social Sciences at Loughborough University. Saul Becker is Professor of Social Care and Health at Birmingham University.