Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 4 of 4
Group gardening in mental outpatient care
- Authors:
- RAPPE Erja, KOIVUNEN Taina, KORPELA Elli
- Journal article citation:
- Therapeutic Communities: the International Journal of Therapeutic Communities, 29(3), Autumn 2008, pp.273-284.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This aim of this study was to assess the suitability and effectiveness of group gardening in contributing to the rehabilitation of mental health outpatients. Participants were mental health outpatients and their support persons at a hospital in Helsinki. The participants completed a questionnaire about the importance of health-related effects of gardening and four returned their diaries at the end of the study. The researchers participated in 17 weekly meetings, observing and making notes in their personal diaries The participants reported feeling calmer and invigorated, and their ability to concentrate was improved due to gardening. The social support of the group and the atmosphere of approval contributed to the autonomy and coping resources of the outpatients. The study indicates that group gardening can promote the development of healthy communities in which individuals have equal opportunities for a fulfilling everyday life despite their health or social state.
Branching out
- Author:
- MOORE Alison
- Journal article citation:
- Health Service Journal, 18.9.08, 2008, pp.26-27.
- Publisher:
- Emap Healthcare
Exeter mental health and learning disability trust has helped one of its rehabilitation schemes become a social firm providing gardening services. The scheme employs former mental health service users and offers work experience to those recovering from mental health problems. The author looks at the process and the factors contributing to the success of establishing Hillcrest Branch as a social firm.
Workforce or workfare?
- Author:
- PARR Hester
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Today, April 2005, pp.28-31.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
Asks if the tradition of therapeutic nature fits in today's social inclusion-oriented mental health service. Draws on recent in-depth ethnographic and interview work in two community gardening projects for people with mental health problems, one in Nottingham (Ecoworks) and one in Glasgow (the Coach House Trust), to explore how historical themes about the curative powers of nature connect with today's debates about recovery, purposeful employment and social inclusion.
Primary-care based participatory rehabilitation: users’ views of a horticultural and arts project
- Authors:
- BARLEY Elizabeth A., ROBINSON Susan, SIKORSKI Jim
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of General Practice, 62(595), February 2012, pp.88-89.
- Publisher:
- Royal College of General Practitioners
Sydenham Garden is a primary care based horticultural and arts rehabilitation project for people with significant mental or physical illness. The project comprises a garden, a nature reserve, and weekly arts groups. Users are referred to the project by local professionals, such as general practitioners. The aim of this study was to determine the views of the users on participation in the project. In-depth interviews were held with 16 participants. Thematic analysis of the transcripts revealed 6 themes: joining and motivations; improved wellbeing; relationships; ownership; being outdoors; and transferrable skills. The findings were overwhelmingly positive. On referral to the project, the users reported considerable need and social isolation. The project promoted wellbeing by providing purposeful and enjoyable activity and interest, improved mood and self-perceptions, and providing escape from life’s pressures. Many users developed transferable skills and gained nationally recognised qualifications. The opportunity for social contact was especially valued.