to come together to share knowledge and skills. It will be of benefit to those interested personally in the use of horticulture as a therapy as well as professionals working with clients in a horticultural environment. Social and therapeutic horticulture involves gardening work such as growing food in allotments or community gardens, or inside buildings like village halls or libraries. STH is therefore often described as a young profession and this is evident when considering the professional training structure. The therapy may be focused on either: improving or maintaining muscle function, and other aspects of physical well-being psychological wellbeing (eg. This study analysed scores in four areas (social interaction, communication, motivation, and task engagement) collected as part of routine assessment during a programme of social and therapeutic horticulture.The sample comprised a heterogeneous group of participants and included a range of vulnerable people, predominantly those with a learning disability or a mental health problem. ‘Social and Therapeutic Horticulture’ is a process where plants and gardens are used to improve physical and mental health, as well as communication and thinking skills. Thrive Learn Online courses and free learning and information in Green Care and Social and Therapeutic Horticulture from Thrive, the leading UK charity using gardening to transform lives that have been touched by disability Award in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture. Social and therapeutic horticulture is the purposeful use of horticultural activities to promote health and well being and facilitate social inclusion. The literature in context The literature review forms part of a larger study which aims to examine how social and therapeutic horticulture promotes social inclusion, health and well-being for vulnerable adults. The Gardens include a substantial wildlife area, formal gardens, a vegetable plot, an orchard and herb beds. If you do not have a horticultural qualification it would be advantageous to consider a part-time horticulture course. learn more Horticulture Courses Horticulture courses via distance learning. Top tips and course advice on studying a course in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture at School of Psychological, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Coventry University. Horticultural therapists use horticultural activities as a tool for helping disadvantaged people. Applications for the majority of undergraduate courses should arrive at UCAS by 18:00 (UK time) on this day (check course details in our search tool for the correct deadline). A horticultural therapist working with a physiotherapist can develop a program of horticultural activities for an individual, that is tailored to their needs and leads to effective rehabilitation. Social and therapeutic horticulture helps to build confidence, improve communication and social skills, facilitate new learning and, of course, provide healthy food to enjoy. The Professional Gardeners’ Trust helps fund gardeners study for horticultural courses and modules e.g. for people with disabilities), Sheltered Workshop, Prisons, or any other relevant situation. In conjunction with Coventry University, Thrive run the main horticultural therapy qualification in the UK – The Professional Development Diploma in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture. The course runs in 3 month blocks and, once registered, you are welcome to join the current course (if there is availability) or wait for the next course to commence. Social and Therapeutic Horticulture Definition “Social and Therapeutic Horticulture involves the use of natural settings and plants by expert practitioners in order to meet clinically defined goals for groups or individuals. Applicants with relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis. Social and therapeutic horticulture is the process by which individuals may ... Age UK and The Terminus ... training days in Derbyshire and Oxfordshire provide professional training in horticultural therapy for Health and Social Care Professionals. A good start would be to attend a short course and volunteer to work at a social and therapeutic horticulture project. Horticultural therapy (also known as‘social and therapeutic horticulture’) uses the activities associated with horticulture such as gardening, plant propagation, plant care, visits to natural environments and gardens and parks etc. It helps gardeners gain certificates in practical horticulture and use of horticultural equipment. This workshop will look at how gardening can have therapeutic results. Dennis Trewin 07908 107 145 Horticultural Therapy Online Course. Social and therapeutic horticulture is the term now used by the charity Thrive. Email: deb@horticultural-therapy-trust.org . This could lead to work experience, such as selling food at a market garden, or the opportunity to gain qualifications. As a horticultural therapist or social and therapeutic horticulture practitioner, you'll use gardening, plants and horticulture to help individuals develop personally and socially, and to gain confidence, independence and a sense of wellbeing. Experience of working in horticulture or in a therapeutic setting would be advantageous as would a qualification in horticulture or a care/health related subject. If you would like to discuss your individual/groups training requirements and tailored courses please call us on 01738 624348. Our horticulture courses allow you to study from the comfort and convenience of your own home/garden. Therapeutic Horticulture Martineau Gardens forms a therapeutic environment of over two acres of organically maintained land, two miles from the city centre.