Growing Out Birmingham

Growing Out is a new FREE weekly group for women who have experienced anxiety, depression or other forms of mental ill-health.

This programme runs with groups of up to 8 participants in a supportive environment, minimising stress and anxiety.

Being outdoors and active helps both physically and mentally. As the participants benefit from this therapeutic environment, the STH Practitioner can assess them and route them to the appropriate level of qualification.

Clients attend weekly sessions for up to 26 weeks.

If appropriate, client gardeners will be offered the opportunity to work towards a City & Guilds Level 1 qualification in Practical Horticulture. The course involves both theory and practical assessment of various aspects of working in the horticultural world, including plant identification, health & safety as well as the garden maintenance tasks such as pruning, mulching, weeding etc. We would expect client gardeners to complete this over 26 weeks.

• Initially up to 6 months of supported gardening delivered for each participant
• Work undertaken in small groups of up to 8 people to support individual development
• Participants supported to learn horticulture
• Participants encouraged to work within a team to improve social and communication skills
• Participants supported by Client Services Co-ordinator to progress onto suitable programme with Thrive or another provider

Participants can be empowered through achieving the following goals:

• Gaining qualifications
• Improved physical and psychological health
• Reducing social isolation
• Developing new life skills
• Taking up voluntary roles in the community

Growing Out outcomes

We have achieved the following outcomes via our previous Growing Out programmes:

• 70% participants attend for up to 6 months
• 60% of participants proceed to Level 1 or alternative provision
• 75% of participants will improve personal and social skills
• 80% of participants who complete Pathways develop basic garden skills/knowledge

Sessions are based on seasonal activities and are also adapted based on the needs and capabilities of the group. They can include: Seed sowing, weeding, germination, propagation, Planting out summer bedding in borders, the importance of garden maintenance and composting.

Download our Growing Out information leaflet for more details.