Policy Press

Health, well-being and social inclusion

Therapeutic horticulture in the UK

By Joe Sempik, Jo Aldridge and Saul Becker

Published

May 18, 2005

Page count

144 pages

ISBN

978-1861347251

Dimensions

297 x 210 mm

Imprint

Policy Press
Health, well-being and social inclusion

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.

The report is aimed at policy makers, professionals, researchers and students in the fields of health and social care and occupational and horticultural therapy who are hungry for hard evidence in this new field, as well as anyone interested in addressing the needs of vulnerable and socially excluded adults.

The Growing Together project is a partnership between Loughborough University and Thrive and has been funded by the Big Lottery Fund. This report complements a practice guide, Growing together: A practice guide to promoting social inclusion through gardening and horticulture, which is also available from The Policy Press.

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 University of Birmingham.

Contents: Introduction; Methodology; The projects: An overview of garden projects in the UK - structure, management and activities; The findings; Discussion.

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