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Going on a journey: a case study of nature therapy with children with a learning difficulty
- Author:
- BERGER Ronen
- Journal article citation:
- Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties, 13(4), December 2008, pp.315-326.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Therapy is usually described as an indoor activity, centring on verbal dialogue between therapist and client(s). Based on a qualitative study conducted with a group of children with learning difficulties in Israel, this article presents a way in which therapy can take place creatively in nature, which serves not only as a therapeutic setting but also as a non-verbal medium and partner in the process. Using participants' voices to highlight the programme's protocol and impacts, the article presents elements from the innovative framework of nature therapy, offering practitioners concepts and methods that can be incorporated into their practice.
CREATE: summary of outcomes and benefits of an innovative therapeutic conservation programme
- Authors:
- SOUTHERN Hazel, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Care Services Management, 3(2), January 2009, pp.176-188.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This paper describes the process by which Castlebeck - which provides specialist services with learning disabilities - began to look at ways of incorporating corporate social responsibility into the business in a meaningful way. The aim of the project CREATE was to provided the opportunity to create a new form of active community-based therapy for patients/residents, and improve staff satisfaction and engagement. Outcomes measures demonstrate a number of significant positive findings: a) statistically significant improvements in service users' self-esteem, social networks, physical health and skill development; b) staff involved have had reduced levels of sickness, increased levels of job satisfaction, increased skill development and improved attitudes; c) the local community has benefited from increased site visitor numbers, more positive community attitudes towards learning disabilities and increased biodiversity environmentally; d) positive awareness of Castlebeck has been increased locally and with key stakeholders.
Land of hope
- Author:
- HUNTER Mark
- Journal article citation:
- Learning Disability Today, October 2008, pp.17-19.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
Care farms are increasingly being used to open up opportunities for people with learning disabilities. The benefits of care farms are discussed, including employments skills, self-confidence and tackling social exclusion. An overview of the work of Pennyhooks farm is also provided.
Say it with flowers
- Author:
- HOPKINS Graham
- Journal article citation:
- Community Care, 17.4.03, 2003, pp.44-45.
- Publisher:
- Reed Business Information
Looks at how horticultural therapy has been helping a women with learning difficulties deal with her aggression and challenging behaviour.
The effects of social and therapeutic horticulture on aspects of social behaviour
- Authors:
- SEMPIK Joe, RICKHUSS Cathy, BEESTON Alex
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77(6), 2014, pp.313-319.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Introduction: Social and therapeutic horticulture has been shown to be a useful intervention for a wide range of vulnerable groups, including those with a mental health problem and/or learning or physical disabilities. However, there is still a need for additional research that examines evidence of its effectiveness. Method: This study analysed scores in four areas (social interaction, communication, motivation, and task engagement) collected as part of routine assessment during a programme of social and therapeutic horticulture. The sample comprised a heterogeneous group of participants and included a range of vulnerable people, predominantly those with a learning disability or a mental health problem. Findings: Scores for social interaction were significantly higher after 90 days of participation. This effect appeared to be most evident in participants with a learning disability. Conclusion: Social and therapeutic horticulture provides the opportunity for social interaction. Increased scores relating to social interaction suggest that the programme was effective in promoting such interaction and that it may, therefore, promote social inclusion among vulnerable and isolated groups. (Publisher abstract)
Digging for sanity
- Author:
- JACKSON Catherine
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Care, 2(8), April 1999, pp.262-263.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
Looks at the development of horticulture as therapy for people with physical or mental health problems. Highlights a number of key projects.
Social and therapeutic horticulture: evidence and messages from research
- Author:
- CENTRE FOR CHILD AND FAMILY RESEARCH
- Publisher:
- Loughborough University. Centre for Child and Family Research
- Publication year:
- 2002
- Pagination:
- 4p.
- Place of publication:
- Loughborough
Summarises the main findings of a literature review on social and therapeutic horticulture with vulnerable client groups. More than 300 articles were examined in detail from over 1,000 available titles. Client groups studied included those recovering from major illness or injury, people with physical disabilities, people with learning difficulties and mental health problems, older people, offenders and those who misuse drugs or alcohol. Highlights the reported benefits.