00300
Social and Therapeutic Horticulture in the UK: The Growing Together Study
Joe Sempik and Jo Aldridge
Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire
Abstract
The practice of ‘social and therapeutic horticulture’ (STH) has developed from...
More
00300
Social and Therapeutic Horticulture in the UK: The Growing Together Study
Joe Sempik and Jo Aldridge
Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire
Abstract
The practice of ‘social and therapeutic horticulture’ (STH) has developed from rehabilitation and
occupational therapy and has been used extensively among many different vulnerable groups both in
the US and the UK.
However, the need for more research evidence to support the claims of its
effectiveness has been recognised.
This paper summarises the results of the ‘Growing Together’
programme, the first major study to survey the current level of STH activity in the UK and to examine
its effectiveness through an in-depth study of gardening projects.
It concludes that benefits arise from
activities that have purpose and coherence and which promote social inclusion.
These activities take
place within a specific garden space that has been created, defined and decorated by project users.
There is a sense of place and bel
Less