The benefits of horticulture for mental health

Horticultural therapy has proven benefits for those dealing with mental health issues and our aim is to provide a complimentary therapy which can support other forms of treatment.

Veterans benefit from being outdoors in a green environment, being physically active, interacting with the local community and each other, learning about nutrition through the growing of food and learning new skills with the possibility of using these to gain employment.

Simply being on site, surrounded by nature and green space is a tonic for many of our visitors.

Horticultural therapy has proven benefits for those dealing with mental health issues and our aim is to provide a complimentary therapy which can support other forms of treatment.

Veterans benefit from being outdoors in a green environment, being physically active, interacting with the local community and each other, learning about nutrition through the growing of food and learning new skills with the possibility of using these to gain employment.

Simply being on site, surrounded by nature and green space is a tonic for many of our visitors.

Horticultural therapy has proven benefits for those dealing with mental health issues and our aim is to provide a complimentary therapy which can support other forms of treatment.

Veterans benefit from being outdoors in a green environment, being physically active, interacting with the local community and each other, learning about nutrition through the growing of food and learning new skills with the possibility of using these to gain employment.

Simply being on site, surrounded by nature and green space is a tonic for many of our visitors.

How we help

Veterans’ Growth works with veterans from the tri-services who are suffering with mental health issues, such as, but not limited to, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). To combat any sense of isolation our veterans are experiencing and the stress and anxiety that can arise from their situation, we are looking to build social relationships during their time with us.

The courses aim to reduce participants’ levels of stress, anxiety, depression and isolation. We seek to establish long-term social connections within the group and with the individual attending. We also aim to provide an introduction to a new skill, horticulture, that can be fostered once the course is over to provide a future hobby or possibly career.

Veterans’ Growth works with veterans from the tri-services who are suffering with mental health issues, such as, but not limited to, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Our courses aim to reduce participants’ levels of stress, anxiety, depression and isolation. We seek to establish long-term social connections within the group and with the individual attending. We also aim to provide an introduction to a new skill, horticulture, that can be fostered once the course is over to provide a future hobby or possibly career.

Veterans’ Growth works with veterans from the tri-services who are suffering with mental health issues, such as, but not limited to, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). To combat any sense of isolation our veterans are experiencing and the stress and anxiety that can arise from their situation, we are looking to build social relationships during their time with us.

The courses aim to reduce participants’ levels of stress, anxiety, depression and isolation. We seek to establish long-term social connections within the group and with the individual attending. We also aim to provide an introduction to a new skill, horticulture, that can be fostered once the course is over to provide a future hobby or possibly career.

Our courses

Our Courses

Our courses include one-to-one sessions and group work, where we provide Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) to participants.

During assessment, individuals’ needs are considered, and the programme tailored to these. Generally, though, the course consists of a combination of mainly physical horticultural activities, alongside additional sessions such as theory-based learning, visits to sites of interests, talks and presentations on subjects such as horticulture or wellbeing, therapy sessions and social activities.

Veterans can attend either a 2-week residential course, or regular weekly/bi-weekly day sessions. There are a maximum of 12 participants on each course and sessions run from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

Our courses include one-to-one sessions and group work, where we provide Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) to participants. During assessment, individuals’ needs are considered, and the programme tailored to these. Generally, though, the course consists of a combination of mainly physical horticultural activities, alongside additional sessions such as theory-based learning, visits to sites of interests, talks and presentations on pertinent subjects such as horticulture or wellbeing, therapy sessions and social activities.

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Support us

We’d love to welcome you to our Veterans’ Growth team! Find out more about how you can get involved with us and make a real difference to the life of ex-service personnel who are suffering from mental health issues.

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Veterans' Growth @VeteransGrowth

It seems more real now, so honoured to have been selected as a finalist from over 450 applicants. Many thanks to Col Gadd for the nomination. https://t.co/B6ozRDN4E5

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Soldiering On Awards @SoldierOnAwards
The Healthcare & Rehabilitation Award, sponsored by @rtchirp, honours major commitment and contribution in support of the physical or mental welfare of members of the #armedforcescommunity

Meet our amazing finalists here ➡️ https://t.co/dMIbGoDOmq 😷⚕ #SOA2021 @NHSArmedForces https://t.co/OJwx9oUZUk

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Veterans' Growth @VeteransGrowth

Yesterday’s pottery workshop at the farm went really well. These are just a few of the items made. Ages ranged from 6 upwards upwards and what was produced with the air dry clay was amazing. https://t.co/MYIsfrCIzn

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Veterans' Growth @VeteransGrowth

Just a small selection of our pumpkins this year, the biggest so far must be 55kg. We still have loads to harvest and bigger yet! @mowermanjimmy @FernsGardens @SussexAFN @CLW4158 @Diver67Diver @VeteranCts @coppardplant @AlsfordTimber @LCGardenDesign @HighGroundAndy https://t.co/B0OecdAvx1

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Veterans' Growth @VeteransGrowth

This was the welcoming view and background sounds that greater one of our veterans this morning. Turn up the volume! This is why veterans keep returning after a course finishes. That and the tea and banter of course. #Veterans @SussexAFN @VeteranCts https://t.co/Ew9od4aQAK

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