Thrive works to use horticulture as a therapeutic activity for stroke survivors. There are currently two projects being delivered.
Life after Stroke
This is a two year project providing structured therapeutic programmes as part of the recovery for adults who are recovering from a stroe.
Stroke survivors attend a 12 week programme of sessions, delivered through Stroke Clubs, on allotment sites and at Thrive’s Trunkwell Garden. The sessions are delivered by one of Thrive’s horticultural therapists, supported by a volunteer, to groups of a maximum of 8 people.
Sessions include gardening activities at different levels of intensity, depending on the needs of the participants. Sessions run all year round and include seasonal activities as well. The activities are specifically designed to build up strength and stamina, relax muscles and improve mobility and balance, as well as being fun to do.
Funded by The John Ellerman Foundation, the project is running through to December 2011 in the southern counties. The project is completely free of charge for participants.
If you are interested in organising a free Life after Stroke taster session for your local stroke club then please contact Helen Crichton, Project Co-ordinator, at Thrive on 0118 988 4844.
Training for Life after Stroke
This is a project training professionals who work with stroke survivors to use horticulture as a therapeutic activity. The training is available to those in the Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxford, Surrey and Buckinghamshire areas in 2011, and will be extended to a wider area in 2012.
Training for Life after Stroke provides training and specific ongoing support for those running horticultural activity sessions. The training is free of charge and can be delivered at Thrive’s Trunkwell Garden or at other sites across the project area. The training can be either a full day or 2 or 3 shorter sessions split across several days.
Ongoing support will then be provided by Thrive, including attendance at the first horticultural activity session and telephone and e-mail support for specific questions or issues.
A resource pack is provided as part of the training which gives assistance and information on dealing with stroke survivors problems, eg hemiplegia, aphasia, neglect, etc, during the therapy sessions. The pack also includes some suggested activities and a calendar of activities throughout the year.
If you are interested in any part of the Training for Life after Stroke project then please contact Kath Power, Project Co-ordinator on 0118 988 4844 or e-mail
kath.power@thrive.org.uk