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: info@thrive.org.ukW: 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: info@thrive.org.ukW: 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).