Growing out provides the focus of gardening as an avenue to start working with others, gaining trust, confidence and learning new skills and becoming more active in the community.
It consists of two courses – Pathways and Level 1 (leading to City & Guilds Level 1 in Practical Horticulture Skills).
Trained STH Practitioner use the garden and jobs in the garden to build programmes to address the needs of each participant in order to improve health, wellbeing and become more active in their community.
Recruitment to the programme is on a rolling basis with beneficiaries working at their own pace, but typically taking between 12 and 18 months from starting Pathways to gaining Level 1 and being supported into their next opportunity.
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 client gardeners benefit from this non-qualification environment, the horticultural therapist can assess them and route them to the appropriate level of qualification. Clients attend weekly sessions for up to 26 weeks.
The City & Guilds Level 1 qualification in Practical Horticulture 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. Groups have up to 8 participants.
Participants can be empowered through achieving the following goals:-
- Gaining qualifications
- Improved physical and psychological health
- Reducing social isolation
- Developing personal, life and work skills
- Taking up voluntary roles in the community
Part of the support offered to our clients includes guidance on their progression alongside or after gaining their qualification, such as support into voluntary or paid roles in the community. Clients attend weekly sessions for 6 months to 24 months. Pre-requisite to have attended Pathways, as above.
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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