Using gardening to change lives
a guide towho we are • what we do • how we do it
ThriveThe Geoffrey Udall CentreBeech HillReading RG7 2AT
T: 0118 988 5688F: 0118 988 5677E: [email protected]: www.thrive.org.uk www.carryongardening.org.uk
thrive is a small national charity that uses gardening to change the lives of disabled people.
Thrive is registered in the UK as the Society for Horticultural Therapy. Thrive is a registered charity (number 277570) and a limited company (number 1415700).
Thrive is grateful to everyone involved in providing photographs for this guide. Photographs on the front page and pages 3, 7, 9, 14, 23, 26, 27 © Caroline Nieuwenhuys 2008, Front page and page 16 © Muir Vidler and The Times 2008, page 18 © Paul Rogers and The Times 2008, page 21 © Matt Writtle and The Times 2008.
© Thrive 2009.
Cover and text pages are printed on revive 100 Offset, a recycled grade containing 100% post consumer waste and manufactured at a mill accredited with ISO14001 environmental management standard. The pulp used in this product is bleached using a Totally Chlorine Free process (TCF).
as Patron of thrive i am delighted to support their excellent work and dedication in using gardening to change the lives of disabled people. i have visited thrive and found it inspirational to learn of the achievements of those who, despite a variety of difficulties, are able to obtain valuable horticultural and
life skills.
HRH Princess Alexandra
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page
Thrivetoday 3
Gardeningsaveslives–MontyDon’sstory 4
WhatdoesThriveoffer? 6
Casestudy:TimRebuilding his life after an accident 8
DisabilityintheUK 9
Thepowerofgardening �0
Casestudy:JamesImproving his future through a qualification ��
Howtousegardening �2
Ideasforactivities �3
Usinggardeningathome �4
Casestudy:SallyBrampton �5
Horticulturaltherapy �6
Casestudy:VeronicaBuilding a different life after a stroke �7
Whatdogardenprojectsoffer? �8
Casestudy:EileenHelping those with dementia and their gardening memories �9
Thrive’sgardenprojects 20
Casestudy:GavinDiagnosed with schizophrenia and still making the most of life 2�
Thrive’sTrunkwellGardenProject 22
Thrive’sBatterseaGardenProject 24
Extendingourinfluence 26
Volunteering 28
Casestudy:Ken 28
Casestudy:MarkDemonstrating that a visual impairment is not a barrier to gardening 29
Thrive–ourhistory 30
Contents
Sinceitsinceptionin1978Thrive’saimhasremainedconstant:tomakeuseofgardeningtochangethelivesofdisabledpeople.IntheUKtoday,oneinfivepeoplearelivingwithadisabilitythattheywerebornwith,gainedastheyagedorasaresultofanillnessoraccident.
Thriveisasmallnationalcharitythatusestheprocessofgardeningtohelpdisabledpeopleliterallytransformtheirlives.Thriveoffershelptodisabledpeoplewhowanttogardenathome,onanallotmentorinacommunitysettingorwhoalternatively,maywanttoaccessstructuredhorticulturaltherapyprogrammes.
Gardeningcanbringprofoundchange,fromimprovementsinphysicalorpsychologicalhealthtoadjustmentsinbeliefs,attitudesorbehaviourstothetransformationofskills,knowledgeandabilities.Thrivehasawealthofevidenceandexperiencetosupportthis.
Ultimatelythechangespeoplemakecanhelpthemovercomeeverydayobstaclesandchallengestheymayfaceintheirlives.Thrivebelievesthatindividualchange
Thrivetoday
islikeapebbleinapoolandripplesouttouchingfamily,friends,acquaintances,communityandfinallysociety,ofwhichthepersonisapart.
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• Threeoutoffourpeoplefoundthatgardeninghasbeenbeneficialtotheirhealth
• Oneinthreebelievegardeninghasongoinghealthbenefits
• Oneinfivereportthatgardeninghashelpedthemthroughaperiodofmentalorphysicalillhealth.
From the survey ‘Levels of interest and participation in gardening among individuals
with a disability’ Mintel 2006 for Thrive
“ForthefirstfifteenyearsorsoofmylifeIhatedgardening.Iwasbroughtupinalargefamilywithasprawlinggardenandmyparentsnotunreasonablysawtheirfivechildrenasausefulworkforceintheperpetualstruggleofkeepingitundercontrolandproducingallourvegetables.Mostdayswewouldbehandedouttasksthat,withhindsight,werenotatallunreasonable.Thelawnhadtobemown,thestrawberriesweeded,parsnipsthinnedorperhapsthepotatoesearthedup.AtthetimeIdidthemallslowlyandunwillinglyandcertainlywithoutaglimmerofpleasure.ButIspentalongtimeinthegardenand,despitemyself,learnthowtodomanybasichorticulturaltasks.Ilearntitsrhythms.
“Then,whenIwasabout17,Iwassowingcarrotsafterschoolonamild,midgyMarchevening.Thesunwassettingbehindthebeechtreeandtheairwasfullofthesoft,foldingcallsofwoodpigeonsgoingtoroost.Isuddenlyhadapowerfulsenseofabsolutecontentment.Theearthfeltperfectlysmoothtomyfingers,theseedabsolutelyintherightplaceinmycuppedhand.Iknewjustwhattodoandexactlyhowtodoit.IknewthatthiswasameasureofhappinessthatIwouldalwaysbeabletoreferto.
“Thatfeelinghasneverreallygoneaway.Therearedayswhenyouaregladtohavefinishedacertainjoborwhenyoulongforspring,butthegardenandgardeningitselfhasneverfailedtobeasourceofinspirationandcomfortforme.
“Formanyyearsthisdidnottranslateintoanythingotherthanaprivaterichness.MywifeandIgardenedtogetherfromalmostthefirstdaywemetbutinourowntimeandwehardlyknewanyoneelsewastheleastbitinterestedinourpassion.Thethoughtofearningalivingfromitneverenteredmymind.But
GardeningsaveslivesMonty Don, an ambassador for Thrive, explains why gardening is important to him
throughacomplicatedandunlikelysetofcircumstancesIfoundmyselfattheageof34writingabookaboutagardenIwasmakinginHerefordshireandpresentinggardeningitemsonGranada’sThis Morningprogramme–althoughIneverevenknewdaytimetelevisionexistedbeforeIappearedonit.Iheardpeoplerefertomeasan‘expert’whenIknewforcertainthatIwasnomorethananenthusiastic–wellOK,obsessive–amateur.Lifehasafunnywayofgoingaboutthings.
“Itgotodder.MycompanywentunderandIfoundmyselfwithoutadayjob.Wehadtosellourhouseandallourpossessionstopaythedebts.Nooneboughtthebook.Tellyworkdriedup.Ihadnomoney,nohome,threesmallchildrenandthedepressionthatIhadlivedwithformanyyearsbecameafull-blownbreakdown.Thingswereverygrimindeed.
“Gardeninghealedme.Slowly–andthereweremanybaddays–IstruggledtowardsthatfeelingIhadwhenIwassowingcarrotseedsontheMarchevening.SlowlyIreturnedtotheearthandwasable
togrow.Simplethings–cuttingthegrass,plantingatrayofviolas–createdarippleofconfidencethatcarriedmeforward.Ofcoursetherewereotherthingstoo;drugs,counselling,andnotleast,theconstantloveofmywifeSarah,butnoneofthatwouldhaveworkedwithoutagardentoworkin.
“SoIknowhowitis.Ihavegotlucky.Thingsaregoingwell.Iamwell.ButIstillfightdepression.Istillneedthegardentoeaseatroubledmind.Iknowfrommyownexperiencethatgardeningdoessomuchmorethantidyuptheoutsideofourhousesorentertainusontelevision.Gardeningsaveslives.”
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The work of Thrive is vital. A huge range of people from children to the very old can find comfort and real recovery through gardening and horticulture.
Monty Don
1 Information, guidance and advice Acomprehensiveinformationserviceisavailableforthoselookingforsupportto
gardenathome.Peoplecanaccesson-the-spotadvice,factsheetsandavarietyofwrittenandaudiopublicationsaswellasspecificguidessuchas:
− Gardening for Hearts & Minds –astep-by-stepguideforthosewhowanttousegardeningaspartoftheirrehabilitationfollowingaheartattackorstroke.
− Getting on with Gardening –aguidefullofpracticalinformationforblindorpartiallysightedgardeners.
− Websites – www.thrive.org.uk offersfurtherinformationonThriveandislinkedtoitssisterwebsitewww.carryongardening.org.uk whichgivespracticaladviceandalargeamountofinformationaboutgardeningwithadisability.
2 Opportunities to learn– Roadshows –givetheindividualgardeneranopportunitytotakepart
inpracticaldemonstrationsandworkshopsacrossEnglandtolearnusefultipsandtechniquestotakehome.
– Short Training Programmes–throughouttheyearofferingoneortwodaycoursesonavarietyoftopicssuitableforhorticulturaltherapists,health,educationorsocialcareprofessionals.
– Higher Education –inpartnershipwithCoventryUniversity,Thriveofferstheonlyprofessionaldiplomainsocialandtherapeutichorticulture.
– Bespoke Courses –forthosewhowantsomethingtailor-made.
WhatdoesThriveoffer?
3 Horticultural therapy programmes Fromtwogardens,oneinBatterseaPark,Londonandtheotheratitsheadoffice
inBeechHill,Reading,Thriveofferssubsidisedplacesonarangeofprogrammestodisabledpeopleagedbetween14and85.Theseincluderehabilitation,dementiaandheadinjuryprogrammesaswellasprogrammeswhichleadtoavocationalqualification.
4 Links into local communities IfyouarelookingforaplaceforafriendorrelativeatoneoftheUK’s1,000Garden
Projects,whichofferhorticulturaltherapytoover24,000disabledpeopleeachweek,Thrivecarriesanationaldatabaseandcontactdetails.
5 Volunteering Whetheryouareanorganisationlookingforateamvolunteeringdayoran
individualwithafewhourstospare,volunteersarewelcomeinawidevarietyofroles.YoumaywanttouseyourexistingskillsatThrive,trysomethingdifferentorgetoutdoorsinthegardensupportingclientsorsimplyjoinwithothersinsocialgardening.StudentsstudyingsocialworkoroccupationaltherapyhavebeencomingtoThriveformanyyearsaspartoftheirpracticallearningexperienceontheircourses.
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TimRebuilding his life after an accident
Overtenyearsago,anhorrificroadaccidentputTiminacomafornineweeksandinhospitalfortwoyears.Hisheadinjurieslefthimwithmemorylossandbalanceproblemsandrobbedhimof80percentofhissight.Hisdifficultbehaviour–notuncommoninpeoplewithsuchsevereinjuries–eventuallyledtodivorceandthelossofaccesstohischildren.Timdidn’thavemuchtolookforwardto.Buthe’dalwayslovedgardening.
AvisittoThrivegaveTimanew-foundoptimism.Tostartwith,hereliedonastickanddarkglasses,butthegentlephysicalexercisehelpedrehabilitateTimfromhisinjuries.
Timgrewinstrengthandconfidence.HepassednationalqualificationsingardeningandsoonotherpeopleatThrivewereturningtohimforsupport–anincrediblesituationconsideringhe’dspentsolongbeingdependentonothers.
TimnowworksforThrivefull-time.Andupto14peopleeveryday,peopleoncejustasdesperateanddependentashewas,
ThedisabledpopulationintheUKtodayislargeatjustover10millionpeople.Itisalsodiverse,intermsofage,incomeandeducation.
Thelikelihoodofdisabilityincreaseswithage,buteveryday75childrenarebornordiagnosedwithadisability.Whenyoureadtheworddisability,youmightthinkaboutpeopleinawheelchair,butdisabilitycanbebothpermanentandtemporaryandmuchbroader,includingpeoplewhohavehadaheartattackoracaraccident.Oneinsevenofushasahearingproblemandtherearetwomillionpeoplelivingwithavisualimpairment.Strokeremainsthelargestcauseofphysicaldisabilitywith130,000newcaseseachyear.Oneinfourofuswillexperiencesomekindofmentalhealthprobleminthecourseoftheyearandover40,000childrennowuseanti-depressants.
Disabledpeoplearemorelikelytoliveinpovertyandearnlessthanhalfofanon-disabledperson.OneinfivepeopleofworkingageintheUKisdisabled,butonlyhalfofthemareinwork,while1.2millionwouldliketoworkbutcan’tfindjobs.
nowbenefitfromhisboundlessoptimismandskills.
TimisalivingexampleofwhatThrivecanhelppeopleachieve.
Twentyonepercentofdisabledpeopleaged16–24havenoqualificationscomparedwithninepercentofnon-disabledofthesameage.Disabledchildrenare13timesmorelikelytobeexcludedfromschoolanddisabled16yearoldsaretwiceaslikelytobeoutofwork.
Disabilityin the UK
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JamesImproving his future through a qualification
Gardeningoffersarangeoftasksand,irrespectiveofageorabilitycansupportpeopleinreachingtheirgoals.Thefivekeybenefitsare:
1 Better physical health–gardeningisaformofexercisewhichcanbeusedinrehabilitation,rebuildingstrengthafteranaccidentorillness.Ithasbeenshownitcanhelpimprovebonedensityinolderpeopleandcanhelpusintacklingproblemssuchasobesitywhichcanleadtomoreseriousproblemssuchasdiabetes.
2 Improved psychological health–awealthofevidenceoutlinesthepositiveaspectsofgardeningonourmentalhealthincludingitsabilitytohelpuswithoptimism,offeringaregularroutine,asenseofpurposeandachievement.Forthosewhogardeninagrouptherecanbeadditionalpositiveeffectsontheirself-esteemandself-worth.
3 Social benefits –ithasbeenreportedthatthosewhohavegreatersocialcontactfeelhealthier.Gardeningoffersasustainableinterestwhichcanhelppeopletoconnectwithothersandforsome,irrespectiveofage,anopportunitytoimprovesocialandcommunicationskills.
4 Qualifications and skills –arecognisedhorticulturalqualificationcanincreasethechancesofemployment.Takingpartinstructuredgardeningactivitiesofferstheopportunitytoimproveskillssuchasinitiative,co-operation,patience,concentrationaswellasnumeracyandliteracyallofwhichareusefulinallareasoflife.
5 Access to the natural environment –researchinenvironmentalpsychologyshows
thatthenaturalenvironmentpromotesrecoveryfromstressandhelpstorestoretheabilitytofocusattention.Gardensproviderestorativeenvironments.Beingoutside,gettingfreshairandseeingthingsgrowareimportanttousashumanbeings.Gardeningallowsustoconnectwithnature.
Jameswasbulliedatschool.Hefeltisolatedandsuicidal.Jamesinternalisedthesefeelingsandbecameverballyandphysicallyaggressive,nottopeoplebuttoobjects.Hekickedinadooratalocalcommunitygroup.Hefeltunsociableandeffectivelypushedallhisgoodfriendsaway,isolatinghimselfevenfurther.
James’smotherhadalreadyidentifiedhehadbeenexperiencingdifficulties.TheyhaveagoodrelationshipandJamesfeltabletodisclosehowsuicidalhehadbecome.Clearlyalarmbellswereringingforthewholefamilyatthisstage.
At14yearsold,Jameswasfacingexclusionfromschool,whichcouldmeanleavingschoolwithnoqualifications.HisfamilyturnedtoThrive.Workingwithhishandshefoundaplacetoexpresshiscreativityandshowedaneagernesstolearn.Ingardeninghewasable
ThepowerofgardeningThe five key benefits
tocometotermswithandmanagehisfeelingsofanger.
TwoyearsaftercomingtoThriveJamescompletedanNVQLevel1inHorticulture.Sincethenhehasattendedyouthgroups,andgainedthebronzeYouthAchievementAward.Jamesisnowsettomoveonandwouldliketoeithertraininsportsmanagement,orworkasagreenkeeperashisotherpassionisgolf.
Jamessays:“Thrivereallyhelpedme.IthoughtIwouldleaveschoolwithoutanyqualificationsandnowI’vegotanNVQandmuchmore,thankstoThrive.”
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Ideasforactivitiesand their benefit
HowtousegardeningSix simple steps
ReachingStretching
Pruning–roses,buddleja
Seedsowing–annuals,earlysaladcrops
Manualdexterity(finemotorskills)Co-ordination
KeyTasks PhysicalBenefit Emotional/PsychologicalBenefit
TransferableElement
Planting–potatoes,fruitbushes
ManualdexterityGrossmotorskillsBending
ConcentrationLookingforwardRecallofpastexperiences
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SenseofachievementExternalfocus
Improveddiet–ifusingvegetables/herbs
Knowledgeofdietandcooking
AccesstooutdoorsCo-ordination
BuyingseedsEnhancedconfidenceSenseofvalue
Stepone: Committogivingyourselfsomegardeningtime.Thiscanbefromfiveminutesto30minutes.Oftensmallperiodsoftimethroughoutthedaycanbebetterthanonelongsession.
Steptwo: Decidewhereandwhenyouaregoingtogarden.Thismightbeinyourowngarden,atafriend’s,inacommunitygarden,onanallotmentorevenonabalconyorusingawindowbox.
Stepthree: Beforeyoustart,takeamomenttoconsiderwhatyouwant.Itcouldbeforexamplethatyouwanttoimproveyourbalance,togetbetteratholdingtools,buildyourconcentration,developaskillsuchasplantingorseedsowing.Itmightbeyouwanttohelpsomebodyelsetoovercometheirfeelingsofisolationandlonelinessortohelpthemtohavefun.
Stepfour: Decide whatgardeningactivitiesortasksyoucoulddobasedonthetimeofyear.Howcouldtheyhelpyougetwhatyouwant?(Thetableoppositemaygiveyousomeideas.)
Stepfive: Garden!
Stepsix: Reflectonwhatyouhavedone.Wouldyoudoanythingdifferentlynexttime?Howdiditmakeyoufeel?Didyougetwhatyouwanted?
SpRIng Mar – May
GrossmotorskillsBending
Mulching FeelingfitterPurposeful
Senseofvalue
SUMMeR Jun – Aug
Plantingcontainers SittingorstandingbalanceUpperbodymovement
Instantgratification Re-enforcementofskillsandknowledge
Hand/eyeco-ordinationGrip
Deadheading Satisfaction Sustainingfinemotorskills
Lawnmowing BalanceMobilityAerobicexercise
SatisfactionofgainingcontrolSenseoforder
Senseoforder
NurturingGivingandsustaininglifeCaring
UnderstandingemotionsOwnershipoflife/feelings
StrengthStaminaAerobicexercise
Watering
To find out more about these and other seasons please contact Thrive.
SallyBramptonUsing the garden to deal with her ‘black dog’
Usinggardeningathome
Tohelppeopleharnessthebenefitsofgardeningathome,Thriverunsaninformationservice,producesarangeofinformationmaterialsandhastwocomprehensivewebsiteswww.thrive.org.uk andwww.carryongardening.org.uk,whichofferadviceandideasonarangeoftopicsfromgardendesign,toolsthroughtopracticaltipsandtechniquesonhowtogardenwhenyouhaveaspecificdisabilityorhealthneed.
ThrivealsooffersarangeofworkshopsandroadshowsacrossEngland.TheseareaimedatinspiringdisabledgardenersaswellasteachingthempracticalgardeningtechniqueswhichThrivehasacquiredoverthirtyyears,andwhichcanbeusedintheirowngardening.
Forthosewhohavehadastrokeorheartattackwehavedevelopedaneasy-to-useguidewhichisofferedtothoseleavingstrokeorheartunitsacrossEngland.Thisshowsinastep-by-stepwayhowtousegardeningintheirrehabilitationathome.ANationalBlindGardeners’Cluboffers
SallyBramptonisajournalistandnovelist,andwasthefoundingeditorofBritishElle.Butsheisalsoadepressive,andinthepasthasbecomesoillthatshehastwiceattemptedsuicide.Shewrotethebook,Shoot the Damn Dog,amemoirofherdepression.SallygavethisinterviewtoThe TimesinsupportofThriveaspartofthenewspaper’sChristmasAppeal2008.
“Gardeningkeepsyouconnectedintotheseasonsandkeepsyouconnectedintolifeitself.Ithinkthat’sreallyimportantifyousufferfromanykindofmooddisordertohavethatkindofoptimism,toknowthereisalwaysafuture.
“WhenI’mgardeningtheonlythingIthinkaboutisgardening.Ithinkit’swhatpsychologistscallflow–youbecomecompletelyabsorbedinsomethingthatyou’redoingandittranscendseverything,youjustforgeteverythingelse.
“Whenyouareverydepressedyoumightbesuicidalyouknow,whichisjustoneofthesymptomsofseveredepression.Ithinkthatwhatagardenteachesyouis
thosewhoareblindorpartiallysightedaquarterlyaudiomagazineaswellasonthespotinformationandadvice.
thatthingsdie,butthingscomeback,andthereisalwaysthisconstantcycle.
“IjustthinkwhatThrivedoesisabsolutelyfantastic,I’vealwaysthoughtwithThrivethatthereisafeelingofrealacceptanceaboutpeopleandtheirdifferencesanditbringspeopletogether,that’sjustwonderful.”
Shoot the Damn Dog, A Memoir of Depression Sally Brampton,
published by Bloomsbury
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HorticulturalTherapy:new practice but old thinking
Horticulturaltherapyisarelativelynewprofessionbuttheconceptevolvedcenturiesago.CourtphysiciansinEgyptprescribedwalksinthePalacegardensformentallydisturbedroyalty,andlaterDrBenjaminRush(1745–1813)openedthedoortotheactiveuseofhorticultureinthetreatmentofmentalillness.ServicemenreturningfromtheWorldWarswereencouragedtotakepartinthispurposefulactivityandasaresulthospitalstaysreduced.Inthe1930sgardeningwasacceptedasavaluableoccupationaltherapytoolforphysicalandpsychiatricdisordersbyoccupationaltherapists.
IntheUKtoday,trainedprofessionalsinsocialandtherapeutichorticultureofferstructuredprogrammestoover24,000disabledpeopleonaweeklybasis.Activitiesnormallytakeplaceat‘gardenprojects’whicharelocatedineveryregion.Theycanbeallotments,walledgardens,greenspacesoutsidehospitalsorevenasmallpatchinanindustrialestate.Thefirstrecordedproject,whichisstillactive,wasfoundedin1913inAyrshire.ThrivemaintainsthenationaldatabaseofUKgardenprojectsandoffersawidevarietyoftrainingandsupporttothem.
My life was going nowhere and things got really bad – I thought about suicide. Coming to Thrive completely turned my life around. I made new friends and got all this support from people there, and I’ve got formal qualifications too, there’s no way I’d be where I am today without Thrive.
James
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Veronicais54yearsoldandhadastrokein2005.Shelostthesightinoneofhereyesandcan’tuseherleftarmandleg.Thestrokecompletelychangedherlifeandsheurgentlyneededsomethingnewtofocusontohelprebuildherconfidenceandgetherstrengthback.
VeronicahadalwayslikedgardeningandareferralbysocialservicesallowedhertostartcomingtotheThriveTrunkwellGardenProjectforonedayaweek.Veronicasays:“IwishI’dfoundoutaboutThriveearlier.ThefirstdayIcameIdidn’twanttogohome!Iwasn’tsurewhattoexpectbecauseIhadn’tbeenoutofthehouseforyears–IhadstayedinbedwishingIwasdead.ThenIwasshownaroundthegardenandIthoughtitwaslovely.”
Atfirst,VeronicafoundhertripstoThriveverytiringbutslowlyshestartedtousehergoodsidemore,stretchingtoreachgardeningtoolsandhelpingwithtabletoptasks.“I’vebeensortingvegetables,cuttingflowersandevensowingseedsandpottingon.Thetherapistsshowmehowtousethetools–Ifoundthesecateursdifficult,butusingthemat
VeronicaBuilding a different life after a stroke
Thrivehelpedmetocutthingswithscissorsathome–thefirsttimeI’dmanagedtocutanythingmyselfsinceIhadmystroke.”
Veronica’sprogresshasbeensogoodthatshenowcomestoThrivefortwodaysaweekandsheabsolutelylovesit.Aswellashelpingwiththegardeningjobs,shenowworksintheSecretGardenatTrunkwellandhasstarteddiggingandplantingflowersintheraisedbeds.
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I would come to Thrive every day of the week if I could – even weekends. It really has made such a difference – it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.
Veronica
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Whatdogardenprojectsoffer?
Gardenprojectsofferpeopleofallages,whohaveawiderangeofdisabilities,theopportunitytoengageinregulargardeningthroughouttheyearinastructuredway.Skilledprofessionals,worktodefinedsocialandtherapeutichorticulturalpractices,whichtakeaccountofbothphysicalandpsychologicalneedstomeetgoalsagreedwiththatindividual.
Peoplesometimesdecideforthemselvestoattendagardenprojectbutmostlikelytheywillbereferredbyoccupationaltherapists,throughsocialservices,orspecificteams,suchascommunitymentalhealth,learningdisabilityorolderpersonsteams.
Attendancewillvarybutisnormallyatleastonceeachweekforanagreedperiod.Gardeningactivitiesaremostlywithintheprojectitselfbutcouldbeoutinthecommunityoranearbylocalsetting.Costsvarybyproject,butfromThrive’sresearchfirstpublishedin2005,theaveragefeeis£55perpersonperday.ForThrive,therealcostisalmostthreetimesthisandthedifferenceismadeupfromcharitabledonations.Thenumberofpeopleattendingaprojectwilldependonitssize,resources,staffandvolunteers.AtThriveweoperatearatioofsevenoreightpeopletoonetherapistandthisgroupisthensupportedbyuptothreevolunteers.
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EileenHelping those with dementia and their gardening memories
Eileenhasdementia.Sheis55yearsoldandwasanactivewifeandmother,lookingforwardtothetimewhenshemightbeagrandmother.HerhusbandAlantoldus:
“EileenhasgraduallygonefrombeingabletodoeverythingyouandIcando,tobeingpracticallyincapableofanything.It’sheartbreakingtowatchherdeteriorate.Sometimesshehastearsinhereyes.She
canhardlyspeakanymore,soIcanonlyimaginethetraumaofwhatshemustbegoingthrough.”
EileenattendedaThriveGardenProjectonceaweekwhileherdementiawasintheearlystages.ItmadeadifferencetoherlifeandAlancouldseethedifference:“AfteradayatThrive,shelaughedandjokedandquietlyhummedtoherself.Thrivemadeherhappyagain.Eileenusedtobeaterrificgardener.”
Dementiaisaprogressive,debilitatingdiseasewhichcausesadeclineinmemoryandatleastoneothercognitivefunction.Itisestimatedthat775,000peoplearelivingwithdementiaintheUK.
Forthoseintheearlystagesofdementia,gardeningcanhelp.Itcanstimulatepositivememories,offersgentleexercise,creativityandaroutethroughisolationfortheindividualandthecarer.Gardeningcanliterallyhelppeopletore-connectwiththeirfamily.
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Thrive’sgardenprojects
Thriverunstwogardenprojects,onelocatedjustoutsideReading,andtheotherinLondon’sBatterseaPark.Thrive’sprojectsareintegraltomeetingthedeliveryofthevision,missionandaimsofthewholeorganisation,whichplacestheminauniquepositionamongstUKgardenprojects.TheysupportThrivebyoffering:
Atangibledemonstrationoftheprinciplesandpracticesofsocialandtherapeutichorticultureforthosemembersofthepublicandprofessionalswhoareinterested.
Afocalpointforqualitystandardsandbestpracticewithinsocialandtherapeutichorticulture.Thisinturnisusedinourtrainingforhealth,socialcareandeducationalprofessionalsaswellasthoseactivelyinvolvedinrunninggardenprojectsallovertheUK.
Anopportunitytotrialcuttingedgepracticesorpilotgardeningsolutionswhichmeettheneedsofeitheradefinedgroupofpeopleorthosewhohavespecificdisabilities.Then,
basedonevaluation,Thriveconsiderswhethertoreplicateorextendpilotworkregionallyornationally.
BothofThrive’sgardenprojectsofferavarietyofprogrammesthattakeplacebothatthegardenandinthelocalcommunity.Theseinclude:
arehabilitationprogrammeforthosewhohavehadastrokeorheartattack
aspring/summerprogrammeforthosewhohavedementia
atransitionprogrammeforthosemovingfromsecurementalhealthunitsbackintothecommunity
atwoyearprogrammeforyoungpeoplewithspecialeducationalneeds.Thisleadstoavocationalqualificationwhichalsocontainsanelementof‘stealth’learningtohelpstudentsdevelopimportanttransferableskillssuchaspatience,teamworking,communication,numeracyandliteracy.
Alltheprogrammesofferedareaimedatsupportingpeopletomakepositivechangesintheirlivesandprogress.
GavinDiagnosed with schizophrenia and still making the most of life
“Iusedtogetbadmoodswingsbutgoingintothegardenandhavingapurposeinlifehashelpedtoreducethose.”
GavinfirstcametoThrivein2001,12yearsafterhewasdiagnosedwithschizophrenia.
Today,Gavinislookingforwardtoindependence.AftersevenyearsworkingwithThrive’stherapistsasaclient,hejoinedoursupportedvolunteerprojectandthenmovedontoapart-timepaidjob.HeisalsoworkingasavolunteerintheresearchlaboratoryatKing’sCollegeLondon,areallypositivemoveforhimasbeforehisillnesshewasabiochemistatStMary’sHospitalinPaddington.
Commentingonhowschizophreniaaffectedhim,Gavinsays:“Ihadgreatproblemsreactingtomyenvironment.IwouldwalkintoaroomandfeelasifIwasinatrance.Gardeninghashelpedmeovercomethat.AtThrive,youdoafulldaywhichhelpstobuildstaminaandhelpsyougetbackintoaworkroutine.Thereisalsoafantasticmixofpeoplethereandmysociallifehastakenoff.
“MydoctorssaythatsinceIstartedgardening,theimprovementhasbeenobvious.TheyhopethatsoonIwillbeabletomoveintoahouseorflatofmyown.Ijusthopeithasagarden!”
GavinhasgiveninterviewsabouthisexperienceatThrive,haswrittenarticlesforThrive’sjournalGrowthPoint,andhasproducedaresearchpaperongardeningandmentalhealth.HehasalsocompletedavideocourseandhastakentheRoyalSchoolofMusicGrade6examontheviolin.Thesearethingswhichheadmitshewouldn’thavedreamtofdoingafewyearsago.
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Thrive’sTrunkwellGardenProjectReading, Berkshire
OperatingfromaVictorianwalledgardenandadjacentthreeacreallotment,Thriveoffersawiderangeofprogrammesandactivitiesfordisabledpeopleofallagesinterestedingardening.ParticipantscomefromBerkshire,Surrey,SouthOxfordshireandHampshire.Whilstmostofthegardeningtakesplaceonsite,Thrivealsoworksoutinthecommunityonprojectswhichbenefitlocalpeople.ThisincludesthemaintenanceofthewalledgardenattheancientruinsofBasingHouseoutsideBasingstoke;aconservationprojectatalocalNationalTrustproperty,TheVyneandatrailblazingpilotprojectworkingwitholderpeoplereturningfromhospitalinHampshire.
Nearly110,000ofBerkshire’s800,000residentshavesomeformofdisability.Thisincludesover15,000withdementiaandmanychildrenwithautismormentalhealthproblems,sothedemandforplacesatTrunkwellishigh.
TrunkwellgardenisanapprovedcentreforCityandGuildstooffertheNPTCSkillsforWorkingLifeatLevel2and3,LifeSkills,Level1,2and3andtheNationalVocationalQualificationinHorticultureatLevel1.Peoplecanworktowholeawardsorindividualunits.
Trunkwellhasdevelopedparticularskillsinworkingwithyoungpeoplewhohavespecialneedsormentalhealthissues,withpeopleaffectedbydementia,those
recoveringfromastrokeorheadinjuryandthosewithalearningdisability,helpingthemtomoveonwiththeirlives.
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CurrentlyThriverunsthreegardenswithinthepark;aVictorianHerbGarden,anOldEnglishGardenanda‘Main’garden,closetothesportsarenawhichhastheoffice,trainingroomandplantsalesarea.Aswellasprogrammesatthegardens,ThrivealsorunsaprojectatbothBethlemandSpringfieldhospitals,
Thrive’sBatterseaParkGardenProjectBattersea park, London
offeringhorticulturaltherapytolong-staymentalhealthpatients.AtspecificinnerLondonboroughlocationssuchastheChelseaPhysicGarden,Thriveofferssupportedvolunteeringopportunitiesforthosewithdisabilitiesandmentalhealthneeds,helpingthemtotakeafirststepbackintotheircommunitiesandbecomeindependentvolunteers.
AlthoughLondonhasgreatwealth,someofitsresidentsalsoexperiencesignificantpoverty,indeeddeprivationanddisabilitygohandinhand.Thisisduetomanyfactorsbutdisabledpeoplearemorelikelytobeunemployedandtheparentsofdisabledchildrenfacecoststhatarethreetimesthatofotherparents.BatterseaPark’stwoneighbouringboroughsLambethandWandsworthhavesomeofthemostdeprivedwardsnotjustinLondonbutintheUKand17,000oftheirresidentsaredisabledorpermanentlysick.AtBattersea,Thrivewantstoincreasethenumberoflocaldisabledpeoplewecanhelpthroughourgardeningprogrammesbuttodosoweneedtore-developour
facilities.Wearecurrentlyfundraisingtocreateanewbuildingandgardenatthemainsitewhichwehopewillbecompletedby2012.
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Extendingourinfluence
Asasmallcharity,oneofthemosteffectivewaysforustoreachouttodisabledpeople,andteachthebenefitsofgardening,isthroughothers.Thismaybethroughspecificorganisationswhofocusononedisability,throughtohealth,socialcareandeducationprofessionalswhoareinvolvedwiththem.
Weofferarangeoftrainingcoursesaimedatprofessionals.ThisincludestheonlyprofessionalDiplomainSocialandTherapeuticHorticultureintheUK,whichwehavebeenrunninginpartnershipwithCoventryUniversityforthelast15years,throughtoone-daycoursesonavariety
oftopics.Theseincludeusinggardeningwiththosewhohavementalhealthneedsorlearningdisabilities,engagingchildrenwithspecialeducationalneeds,throughtotheuseofsensorygardeningtobenefitthosewhohaveaspecificdisability.
Wealsocarryoutawiderangeoftrainingforspecificprofessionalgroupssuchasophthalmologists,teachers,careworkers,mentalhealthspecialistsandstrokeorheartrehabilitationofficers,aswellasbespoketrainingfororganisationslikeBUPA.Weoftendelivertrainingdirectlyonsiteatdifferentorganisationstotheir
staff,volunteersandthedisabledpeoplethemselves.Thiscouldbeahospice,carehomeforolderpeoplewithdementia,mentalhealthunitorstrokeclub.
Thriveoffershorticulturaltherapyprofessionalsworkingatprojectsaccesstotheonlyqualitystandarddevelopedforgardenprojects(basedonPQASSO–PracticalQualityAssuranceSystemforSmallOrganisations).Inadditiontheycansubscribetotheonlyjournalofsocialandtherapeutichorticulture,GrowthPointandaccessavarietyofspecificpublicationsandbriefingsheets.
Finally,Thriveoperatesasmallresearchprogrammeaimedatsubstantiatingourclaimsandsupportingusinskillsdevelopment.Overthelastfiveyearswehavepublishedresearchwhichincludes–The Use of Horticulture in Secure Settings(CentreforCrimeandJusticeStudies,King’sCollegeLondon),The Evidence of Benefits of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture(CentreforChildandFamilyResearch,LoughboroughUniversity)andLevels of Interest and Participation in Gardening Among Individuals with a Disability(Mintel).
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MarkDemonstrating that a visual impairment is not a barrier to gardening
“Undertakinganykindofactivitywhenyou’reblindoftenposesmorechallengesthanwhenyou’resighted,butthishasnotdampenedmyenthusiasmandkeennesstogetmyhandsinthesoil.Ihavealwayshadaninterestingardening,andespeciallyasitmeansgettingawayfromcomputersandpaperworkattheoffice!
“FacedwithalargegardenwhenImovedintomyfirsthouse,Iwasreallyatalosstoknowhowbesttotackleeverything.Withfailingvision–Iamnowcompletelyblind–IturnedtoThriveforhelp.
“MyfirstcontactwithThrivewasataweekendresidentialcourseforblindgardeners,whereIbecameknownasaseedling!Itfoundmelearningallsortsofinterestingaspectsofgardening,fromlawnmaintenancetopottingon.Weworkedinsmallgroups,therewerelotsofactivitieswithtrainedandveryunderstandinghorticulturaltherapists.Learningbytouchisreallythebestwaywhenyouareblind.
“InthelastfewyearsIhavebeenpartofThrive’sadvisorygroupandIhavenow
startedalocalclubforBlindGardeners,‘Gardeneyes’,withsupportfromThrive.Ithinkthatthegreatestdifferencegardeninghasmadetomeisthatithasenabledmetogainaskill,throughThrive,tonotonlyputproduceonmyplatebutalsogetatremendoussenseofachievement.Withfailingvisionit’shelpedmethroughprobablyquiteadifficulttimeandIthinkit’sjustgivensuchahugeinterestthatIdon’tquiteknowwhatelseIwouldhavedonewithalotofmytime.”
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KenTudgaytookearlyretirementfromacompanywhereheworkedfor46yearsfollowingserviceinTheColdstreamGuards.Histwogreatloveshavealwaysbeenworkingwithpeopleandgardening.
Kensaid“WhenIfinishedworkeachdayIusedtotakeallmyproblemsdowntomyallotment.Icouldleavemyworriesthere.”
Ken–You cannot beat nature
OfferingyourtimeasavolunteercanbereallyrewardingandcanhelpbothyouandThrive.Thriveoffersopportunitiestobothindividualsandtogroupsofpeople,oftenfromcompanies,togetinvolved.Indeedvolunteersdonatealmost13,500hourseveryyear.
Volunteerscanbeseenbuildingstiles,clearingland,paintingfences,supporting
WorkingwiththedisabledclientsatThrivehasthesameeffect.Itputsanyproblemshethinkshemighthaveintoperspective.Kensaid“Youcannotbeatnature(therapy).Wesitandworkinthegardenwiththebirdssingingandthesunshiningandthink,thisisheaven.Tometheyareawonderfulfamily.”
Volunteering
clients,throughtogardeningwithThriveoutinthecommunity.ForexampleThriveanda30-strongcorporatevolunteerteamfromPriceWaterhouseCooperscarriedoutaonedayrenovationandreplantingoftheroofgardenatJoanBartlettCourt,aresidentialunitfortheelderly.
Theimpactofthedaywasphenomenal.Priortotheday,engagementinthegardenhadbeenlimitedtotwoorthreeresidentswhowerethemselvesfindingthegardeningastruggle.Duringtheday,severalmoreresidentsjoinedtheactivities.Sincethen,therehasbeenarevivalofinterestinthegarden.
The atmosphere yesterday was electric and we’re still all on a high.
corporate volunteer
ThriveOur history
When life stings a garden can heal you.
Editor, The Times
30 3�
ThrivebeganastheSocietyforHorticulturalTherapyandRuralTraininginFromein1978,setupbyChrisUnderhill,ayounghorticulturistinspiredbyhisworkwithpeoplewithlearningdisabilitiesandhisvoluntaryserviceinAfrica.Chriswassupportedby,amongstothers,DrGeoffreyUdallapaediatricianwhobecamethefoundingChairman.ThefirstgrantwasgiventothecharitybyTheJosephRowntreeFoundationwhoactuallydonatedmorethanhadbeenrequested.
Initiallytheorganisationconcentratedonsupportingthepeoplewhoweresettingupandrunningspecificoutdoorprojectsandwantedtousetheconceptofhorticulturaltherapy.Itaimedtobeabridgebetweentheworldofhorticultureandtheworldofhealth.
Inthemid1980stheorganisationwideneditsscopebyofferingservicestoindividualdisabledgardenersandmountingasustainedawarenessraisingcampaign.In1984ittookoverthegardeningservicefromtheDisabledLivingFoundationandapublicgardeninBatterseaParkwhichwasthefirstdemonstrationgardenintheUK,createdspecificallyforpeoplewithadisability.
In1989theReverendDrGeoffreyUdalldonatedhisfamily’sestateandwalledgardenatBeechHill,nearReadingtothecharity.AnarmyofwillingvolunteerscompletelyrestoredandadaptedthewalledgardenofTrunkwellParkandthisbecametheTrunkwellGardenProject,whichisnowtheflagshipgardenforthecharity.
Inordertoputtheorganisationinapositiontobeabletodevelopitsworkfurther,copewiththeincreasingdemand,andgetitontoasoundfinancialfooting,amajorrestructuringofthecharitywasundertakeninthelate1990s.Thisculminatedinthebuildingofthenationalresourcecentreandtherelocationofthenationalofficeto
TrunkwellParkin1998,alongwiththechangeofnametoThrive.
Beforehisdeath,theReverendDrGeoffreyUdallmadeprovisionforThriveinhiswillandthisbequestcontinuestobeinstrumentalinenablingThrivetobringthebenefitsofgardeningtoincreasingnumbersofdisabledpeople.
Flowers always make people better, happier and more helpful: they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.
Luther Burbank, botanist and horticulturist, 1849 – 1926
Using gardening to change lives
a guide towho we are • what we do • how we do it
ThriveThe Geoffrey Udall CentreBeech HillReading RG7 2AT
T: 0118 988 5688F: 0118 988 5677E: [email protected]: www.thrive.org.uk www.carryongardening.org.uk
thrive is a small national charity that uses gardening to change the lives of disabled people.
Thrive is registered in the UK as the Society for Horticultural Therapy. Thrive is a registered charity (number 277570) and a limited company (number 1415700).
Thrive is grateful to everyone involved in providing photographs for this guide. Photographs on the front page and pages 3, 7, 9, 14, 23, 26, 27 © Caroline Nieuwenhuys 2008, Front page and page 16 © Muir Vidler and The Times 2008, page 18 © Paul Rogers and The Times 2008, page 21 © Matt Writtle and The Times 2008.
© Thrive 2009.
Cover and text pages are printed on revive 100 Offset, a recycled grade containing 100% post consumer waste and manufactured at a mill accredited with ISO14001 environmental management standard. The pulp used in this product is bleached using a Totally Chlorine Free process (TCF).