Green Social Prescribing: Social and Therapeutic Horticulture Workshop

Green Social Prescribing: How to use Social and Therapeutic Horticulture to improve physical and mental health outcomes

Interest in Green Social Prescribing and Social & Therapeutic Horticulture is at an all-time high. This 1-day course focuses on an introduction to the field, with experts showcasing the latest techniques in practice and evidence on the impact of activities. The course will give learners an overview of the current theoretical framework for therapeutic horticulture and a wealth of examples of how it can be used to improve health outcomes for a range of groups (those with mental health challenges, in recovery, living with dementia etc.). Hands on practical sessions and activity packs will be provided to develop learners’ skills in using horticulture therapeutical in their own practice/projects.

Course Description

Social and Therapeutic Horticulture is being widely used to improve physical and mental health outcomes in a range of settings from residential and clinical units to community-based ‘green prescribing’ projects. The evidence base for this use of horticulture is well established with The University of Salford and Edge Hill University leading on an array of international, national and regional projects on the topic. Participants will engage with those leading cutting-edge research at a global level and gaining techniques, knowledge and tools from those pioneering practice in the UK. Alongside the University of Salford and Edge Hill, a founder member and Chair of the Social & Therapeutic Horticulture Special Interest Group of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture and Get Up & Grow will add to the 1 day course, enabling attendees to gain skills from those advancing practice in the area.

Learners on this course will be interested in incorporating therapeutic horticulture into their professional practice or future projects. This could include senior leaders to nurses, public health officials, local authority officers, occupational therapists, art therapists and beyond. With Biodiversity Net Gain and other policies being advanced, there is an opportunity for planners and the broader private sector to explore innovative ways of progressing this agenda on a broader level through the course. This particular course is aimed at a broad level and is appropriate for those new to the area or aiming to scale-up existing practice.