Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is essential within the emerging Social and Therapeutic Horticulture sector (STH). As a professional working in STH or other nature-based interventions, you can stay ahead in your practice with our new CPD Subscription Service.
Keep your skills up to date, stay connected with peers and access expert, relevant information by subscribing to six engaging sessions a year, plus exclusive content and connections, for just £65.
Whether you are a Thrive Award or Diploma graduate, a health, social care, or education professional, or simply passionate about nature-based interventions, this is your gateway to continuous learning, connection and professional growth.
After graduating from Thrive, I struggled to find relevant CPD. This new subscription feels like coming home – practical, inspiring, and connected to real-world practice.
Thrive Alumni
Growth Point offers you:
Why join?
In a field as dynamic and evolving as Social and Therapeutic Horticulture, staying current is essential. Growth Point will help you:
Get inspired, stay informed, and grow your professional impact with our new CPD service. Subscribe now and take the next step in your professional journey.
All sessions are interactive, giving you the chance to ask questions, share insights, and shape the conversation.
Upcoming Sessions:
Our next live event:
Thursday 30th October 2025 5.30pm - 7.30pm
In this event we look forward to hearing from:
Alison Marsden, having completed a Masters explaining the development of Mental Health outcome measures in STH, will present her study findings at this event.
Freddie Watson Stubbs, will consider how we can all utilise Skills Audits in our own practice, and use these to develop our own CPD Plan.
The workshop titled ‘Shaping your Service’, will offer you the opportunity to give your input in how this CPD service is developed, and areas that you might like to see in future events and releases.
Previous live events:
Our first CPD event kicked off on Tuesday 15th July 2025 with an inspiring line-up:
Dr Carly Wood, University of Essex - offered insights into a recently published summary report with Dr Jo Barton, which considers research into the value of STH and its benefits, as well as the blockers and enablers to implementing real development in the sector.
Jo Bellamore, Brain and Spine Foundation - offered insights into working with individuals with neurological injuries, blending professional expertise and lived experience.
Practice Challenges Forum
A workshop-style session where participants brought their own challenges, received support, and learned from others.
Panel guests included:
Thomas MacGregor - delivering STH in secure mental health settings for over a decade.
Donna Rowe Green - with 20+ years in STH and founder of two STH organisations.
1. What is Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH)?
STH is the use of gardening and horticultural activities to support physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. It is widely used in health, social care, and community settings to help individuals improve confidence, reduce isolation, and enhance quality of life.
2. What is CPD?
CPD (Continuing Professional Development) refers to the process of regularly updating and improving your knowledge, skills, and abilities throughout your career. It ensures you stay current, competent, and effective in your professional role through learning activities such as training, workshops, courses, or self-directed study.
3. Who is this the Growth Point CPD service for?
This CPD service is ideal for:
• Health and social care professionals
• Horticultural Practitioners
• Educators and support staff
• Thrive graduates.
4. What topics does the Growth Point CPD Service cover?
Each update or learning event will provide learning related to our emerging profession:
• Sharing best practice from established practitioners and organisations in horticulture as therapy.
• Contributions from experts in related fields from horticulture and therapy through to advocates and health specific learning.
• Content and signposts to core knowledge and skills.
• News and updates across the breadth of fields relevant to horticulture as therapy, we find the information, so you do not have to.
5. How is the Growth Point CPD service delivered?
The CPD sessions are delivered online via live Zoom sessions and on-demand, allowing learners to study at their own pace. It is always better to attend live sessions however all sessions are recorded and available on demand. Recorded sessions and resources are available on Thrive Learn via our learning platform, Moodle. Subscribers will have their own unique account where they can gain access to resources.
6. How long does the Growth Point CPD service take to complete?
Each CPD module is designed to be flexible. Live sessions are typically 1.5 or 3 hours, and on-demand content can be completed at your own pace. The service is 12-month duration.
7. Will I receive a certificate?
Yes – upon completion of each CPD module, you will receive a CPD certificate of attendance or completion that can be used as evidence of your professional development.
8. Can I use this Growth Point CPD service to support a career in STH?
Absolutely. This service provides practical tools, and links to further training.
The CPD sessions count towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours, helping you meet professional standards and maintain registration or recognition with relevant bodies. Each session contributes structured learning time that you can log as part of your annual CPD
requirements.
9. How much does the Growth Point CPD service cost?
Annual subscription (access to all live and recorded CPD sessions): £65.00
10. Are the sessions accessible for people with disabilities or additional learning needs?
Yes. We aim to ensure all our materials are accessible. Please contact us in advance if you have any specific needs so we can support your learning experience fully.
11. How do I register or subscribe?
You can register via our website, where you’ll find dates, session descriptions, and subscription options. For further support, contact us at training@thrive.org.uk or call 0118 988 5688. Subscriptions can be renewed yearly.
12. Can I book Growth Point CPD training for my organisation or team?
Yes, we offer bespoke CPD packages for teams, organisations, and corporate partners. Get in touch to discuss tailored training options.
13. How can The Growth Point CPD service benefit me?
Thrive’s CPD service offers a flexible, affordable, and relevant way to deepen your professional knowledge and confidence in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture. Whether you are looking to stay current with evidence-based practice, meet CPD requirements, or feel re-energised in your role, Thrive’s CPD service will keep you informed, connected, and inspired wherever you are in your professional journey.
14. Growth Point – Thrive’s New CPD Subscription Service
Just like the tip of a plant where new life begins, Growth Point is where your professional journey in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture continues to flourish. Designed for practitioners who want to stay rooted in best practice while reaching for latest ideas, Growth Point offers flexible, affordable, and inspiring CPD. The Thrive CPD service is called Growth Point to reflect the valuable opportunities it offers for developing your skills knowledge and professional experience.