Growing together

Horticulture and gardening activity is used as a therapy in the UK for growing numbers of vulnerable people, including those with mental health problems, learning difficulties and other health and social problems. However, until now little published work has focused on how horticulture and gardening can help to promote social inclusion for these vulnerable groups. This guide looks at the ways in which social and therapeutic horticulture (STH) projects can help foster independence, build self esteem and confidence and provide training and employment opportunities for people with health or social problems. This guide will be useful for anyone thinking about setting up STH services for vulnerable groups or for those already providing STH support but who want to understand further the nature and extent of provision currently available in the UK. The guide includes: information about the type and range of horticulture and gardening activities that may benefit vulnerable clients or service users, including cultivation, construction work, arts and crafts, marketing, training and employment opportunities; policy information relating to risk assessment, health and safety issues, confidentiality and client monitoring and evaluation; examples from current practice and provision in the UK to demonstrate how STH projects can promote social inclusion for a range of vulnerable clients, including developing clients' physical, emotional and social skills through regular project attendance. The Growing Together project is a partnership between Loughborough University and Thrive and has been funded by the Big Lottery Fund. This guide complements a research study, Health, well-being and social inclusion: Therapeutic horticulture in the UK, which is also available from The Policy Press.