Growing Together: completed research

Promoting social inclusion, health and well being for vulnerable adults through the use of gardening and therapeutic horticulture

Funder

The Community Fund. Undertaken in collaboration with Thrive.

Background

There is a lack of research and understanding of the potential benefits (or limitations) of gardening and horticulture as a tool for social inclusion, health gain and well being.

Despite this there are thousands of schemes across the UK which promote therapeutic gardening and the Government, statutory and voluntary sectors spend considerable amounts of money and human resources on such projects.

There is an urgent need to classify and evaluate the multitude of schemes which operate in this field and in particular to understand better how they contribute to health gain, well-being and social inclusion for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in society.

Aims

This study aimed to identify and assess the effectiveness, benefits and limitations of horticulture and gardening as a tool for promoting social inclusion, health and well being for vulnerable people (including those with learning difficulties, physical disabilities, mental health problems, older people, ethnic minorities and people living in disadvantaged communities).

It also aimed to identify models and case examples of good practice which can be used for future development of schemes and to promote greater awareness and understanding of the circumstances, experiences and needs of socially excluded people and how therapeutic gardening and horticulture can contribute to their social inclusion

Methods

836 horticulture projects were surveyed and 24 garden projects examined in depth, using interviews with clients and staff.

Key findings

• Social and therapeutic horticulture (STH) client groups include those recovering from major illness or injury, those with physical/learning disabilities and mental health problems, older people, offenders and those who misuse drugs or alcohol.
  
• STH projects promote social inclusion through four dimensions: production, consumption, social interaction and political engagement.
  
• Reported benefits of STH include: sense of identity/status, increased self esteem, opportunity for social interaction, development of independence, skill development and an increased sense of well being.

Implications for policy and practice

The project provides information and guidance for the development of horticultural and gardening schemes which aim to promote social inclusion and well being.

The research also contributes to greater awareness and understanding of the circumstances, experiences and needs of socially excluded people and how gardening can contribute to their social inclusion.

Publications

Please click here for a list of publications from this study.

CCFR Evidence Paper 8: Social and therapeutic horticulture – the state of practice in the UK. Download here

CCFR Evidence Paper 11: Health, Well-being and Social Inclusion- therapeutic horticulture in the UK. Download here

Research team

Dr Joe Sempik (CCFR). Dr Jo Aldridge (Loughborough University); Professor Saul Becker. With Tim Spurgeon (Thrive).