Gardening therapy for everyone
Many of us find gardening a relaxing and therapeutic pastime, but it can be especially beneficial for those living with disabilities or ill health. Thrive is the leading charity in the UK using gardening to bring about positive changes in the lives of people who are isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable. This type of therapy is known as social and therapeutic horticulture – the process of working with plants to improve physical and psychological health. It also uses the garden as a safe and secure environment in which to develop an individual’s ability to socialise, make friends, and gain practical skills. Using specific gardening tasks and the garden environment, Thrive horticultural therapists build a set of activities for each gardener aimed at improving their health and wellbeing and achieving particular goals. There are many ways in which you can get involved and help Thrive’s work – from volunteering to holding a fundraising event in your local area.
For more information visit www.thrive.org.uk.