Growing Out Programme
Growing Out is a free social and therapeutic gardening programme for adults experiencing mental ill-health, such as anxiety, depression, isolation, or other mental health conditions. Weekly sessions are held across our beautiful gardens in Battersea Park, providing a unique opportunity to get active outdoors in nature, socialise with others, learn gardening skills, gain confidence, and improve overall health and wellbeing.
Programme Overview
The programme is offered in two stages over one year – starting with Pathways for the first six months and progressing to a City & Guilds Level 1 Qualification in Horticulture for the second six months.
No experience in gardening is necessary, as our Horticulture Practitioner and a team of supportive volunteers are on hand to help guide. The group is kept small, with up to 8 participants, to maintain a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Benefits of the Programme
Participants on the programme may benefit through:
- Improving physical health, such as fitness and stamina
- Combating low mood and reducing anxiety
- Increasing confidence and sense of achievement
- Increasing social interaction and reducing isolation
- Learning gardening skills and improving knowledge about plants
- Gaining a recognised horticulture qualification
- Becoming more active in the community and making a positive contribution
- Accessing other opportunities in the community, or further training or employment
Date and times
Participants can attend weekly from 10 am to 3 pm on either Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday. In addition, there is a women-only group on Wednesday.
The City & Guilds Level 1 in Practical Horticulture Skills is a 6-month practical course involving both theory and practical assessment on various horticulture topics. For example, planting out, preparing ground for planting, sowing seeds, watering, caring for a bed, mulching, dividing plants, taking cuttings, planting bulbs, pruning, identifying weeds etc.
Participants work through eight learning units at their own pace to achieve the full Certificate or three units to achieve the Award. Tutorials and hand-outs are provided as well as plenty of opportunities to practice skills across three different gardens in the park. Participants must have attended a minimum of 75% of the Pathways programme and be able to commit to attending regularly. Working towards a qualification can help to increase motivation, confidence, and a sense of achievement. You will be able to develop new skills and progress with horticulture, either at home, in the community, further training or as a stepping stone towards employment
If you or someone you know would like to attend a programme, get in touch on 020 7720 2212 or email using our form
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