The Vanessa Project
Social and therapeutic horticulture is the process by which individuals may develop well being using plants and horticulture. This is achieved by active or passive involvement.
(Growth Point issue 79 Autumn 1999)
An experienced horticultural co-ordinator will manage the project. Regular weekly garden sessions will run for South Somerset Mind and Rowan Place service users, also members of the Yeovil Self Help Bipolar Group. The groups will use Mind’s premises and allotment and the facilities and equipment at Rowan Place.
The co-ordinator will assess people’s abilities, needs and wishes and establish effective individual programs for them. Provision will be made for evaluation and modification.
The aims of the project are as follows:
1. To explore the benefits which horticultural therapy has for people experiencing or vulnerable to mental health issues thus increasing self esteem and confidence to learn new skills.
2. To provide activities to enhance service users and volunteer skills, confidence and wellbeing in a safe and supported environment.
3. To offer the activities to people on the acute inpatient ward at Rowan Place, Yeovil, to improve their experience of the time spent on the ward and also to members of the Yeovil Bipolar Disorder Self Help group as well as South Somerset Mind.
4. To provide evaluation at the end of each year to be made available in the form of a report which will show improvements in service users/volunteers mental health.
