Cultivating Wellbeing app FAQs

Who has created the Cultivating Wellbeing app?

Cultivating Wellbeing has been created by Thrive, the gardening for health charity. The project team includes specialists in the use of STH (social and therapeutic horticulture). We have worked in collaboration with Big Lemon, who specialise in building digital products that have a positive impact. We have used co-production techniques, gathering external opinion, as well as putting in place an extensive pilot.

We have also worked with the University of Essex to create research that can validate the effectiveness of the app for health and wellbeing. The app is also being evaluated by The Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps (ORCHA) who specialise in assessing health apps.

What is Cultivating Wellbeing designed to do?

Cultivating Wellbeing will allow you to develop your own, personal, gardening and nature-based plan.

At the heart of the app is an interactive personal calendar, along with tailored suggestions for different activities to try. As well as easily planning activities, you will be able to regularly make note of your progress, thoughts and mood.

By creating and taking ownership of your plan, we hope the app will help you embed healthier behaviours and in turn improve your health and wellbeing.

What is your approach to complying with app design standards?

The app has been designed to meet the WCAG 2.2 level AA accessibility standards throughout, taking additional needs into consideration. Every attempt has been made to meet these standards in development and we will continue to review the app to ensure continued compliance.

How have you accounted for user feedback during design and development of this app?

Throughout our initial design and pilot phase, which involved more than 200 participants, we have taken feedback on the app via small group user testing, in-app reporting and external interviews by a 3rd party.

Click here to read the initial evaluation report from the University of Essex.

This feedback has been used to shape the app to date and will continue to have a huge impact on future developments.

Who is Cultivating Wellbeing suitable for?

This service is suitable for:

• Anyone who would like to improve their health and wellbeing, particularly mental wellbeing
• Anyone who has taken part in an in-person therapeutic gardening programme, whether for a few days or several weeks or months

We are also talking to health professionals about how this app could help the individuals they are supporting.

Is there anyone the app is not suitable for?

This app is not specifically designed for children.

If you are experiencing severe physical or mental health symptoms, please consult with a GP or health professional first.

While the advice in this app includes ways you can adapt gardening to make it easier, it does not contain specific medical advice. You may want to consult with a healthcare professional.

What do I need to use the app?

You will need to have access to a smartphone. The app works on both iOS and Android operating systems.

You do not need a big garden, or even a garden at all. A patio, balcony, or even windowsill inside will allow you to participate in activities.

Some activities require specific tools and materials, such as pots, compost and secateurs, while others do not. The guides give details of items needed for any activity.

Does the app work on tablets?

At this time, Cultivating Wellbeing is designed for smartphones. You can download and use it on a tablet, but the design does not work natively - i.e. it won't necessarily fill the tablet screen.

Can I use this app outside of the UK?

Currently, Cultivating Wellbeing is only available in the UK.

Do I need to be an experienced gardener?

No, not at all. This app is suitable for everyone from novice gardeners through to experienced gardeners.

When will the app launch?

We ran a pilot from early July until September 2024. The full launch is planned for late winter / early spring 2025.

Where can I find the app?

Cultivating Wellbeing is available to download in the Apple App Store and via Google Play.

What do I do if I've entered an incorrect email when signing up?

You can simply go back to the start screen and sign up again using the correct email.

How much does it cost to use?

Cultivating Wellbeing costs £2.49 per year.

How do I subscribe?

Once you have downloaded the app and completed the initial onboarding screens, you will be asked if you would like to subscribe. At this stage you will need to enter payment details.

You will be able to enjoy a 14-day free trial before any payment is taken, which will give you time to use the full app features.

How do I unsubscribe?

Via the Settings section of your smart phone. If you visit the settings area within Cultivating Wellbeing, it will signpost you to Manage your Settings, which will also take you to the correct section of your phone.

You can simply select to unsubscribe from the app. If it is still within the 14-day trial period, you will not be charged.

If it is outside the 14-day trial period, you will be charged the £2.49 annual fee. You will be able to continue using the app until the end of your subscription period – i.e. for the full year.

What do I do if I've entered an incorrect email when signing up?

You can simply go back to the start screen and sign up again using the correct email.

How do I get started?

When you download the app it will guide you through the onboarding process. You will be able to set goals, input what garden space you have, select the days of the week you may be free to do activities and select some initial activities.

These steps will help the app create an initial wellbeing plan for you.

Once you have accepted the terms and conditions and started your subscription, you will then be able to view and carry out your wellbeing plan.

How do I add activities?

There are different ways to add activities.

Within the ‘This Week’ section of the app, you will find some quick wellbeing boosts. These are low or no equipment activities you could try right away.

Within the ‘Resources’ section of the app, you can find the complete list of activities that are suitable for the time of year. You can browse these and add to your plan.

How do I report any bugs or issues?

We have tried to catch and fix as many bugs and issues as possible before sharing this app. If you do find things that don’t work or look as you might expect, please let us know.

• On iPhone, you have the option to take a screenshot of the bug in the app and send that directly to us
• In the settings area of the app you can click on Report an Issue and complete the bug form
• You can email us at info@thrive.org.uk

We will aim to resolve any bugs reported within two calendar months. Where a bug involves a higher level of complexity, it may take longer to resolve.

How do I know my data and privacy is safe?

We will only be asking for essential information. The app has been developed to rigorous data and privacy standards. Your data will not be shared with any 3rd parties or used for any other marketing purposes. See our privacy policy for further details.

During the pilot and early launch phase, there will be the opportunity to consent to taking part in surveys conducted by the University of Essex. These will be hosted externally and will be anonymous. You can decline to take part in any survey.