Growing Together

Social and therapeutic horticulture for vulnerable adults

This research explores the use and benefits of social and therapeutic horticulture for vulnerable adults in the community.

Research is undertaken by the Centre for Child and Family Research (CCFR) at Loughborough University, as part of the Centre's research theme entitled 'Promoting the well being of adults and the community'.

What is 'social and therapeutic horticulture'?

It is the participation by a range of vulnerable people in groups and communities whose activities are centred around horticulture and gardening (may also include small scale agriculture).

Social and therapeutic horticulture is regarded by many health and social care professionals as an effective intervention for improving the quality of life of people with a wide variety of physical, psychological and social problems.



Funding

Current research is funded by Thrive and the Mental Health Foundation.

Thrive researches and promotes the benefits of gardening to individuals and organisations and teaches techniques and practical applications so that anybody with a disability can take part in and benefit from gardening.

Founded in 1949, the Mental Health Foundation is a leading UK charity that provides information, carries out research, campaigns and works to improve services for anyone affected by mental health problems, whatever their age and wherever they live.

Recent project

A feasibility study of the use of a randomised controlled trial of therapeutic horticulture for people with mental health problems
in the UK - PROJECT REPORT NOW AVAILABLE

Completed projects

Growing together: literature review
and bibliographical database on social
and therapeutic horticulture

Growing together: promoting social inclusion, health and well being for vulnerable adults through the use of gardening and therapeutic horticulture