We celebrated the graduation of our Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) students in November, delivering more professionals to the emerging sector.
As trained STH practitioners, the Diploma and Award graduates increase the number of people in the UK who are qualified to practice STH - improving people’s physical, mental and social health through therapeutic gardening.
At a special graduation ceremony near Reading in November, Thrive CEO Ben Thomas commended Thrive’s commitment to excellence and the learners’ achievements, saying: “Thrive exists to improve the lives of people with ill health and disabilities. We see significant and lasting impact through the STH programmes we deliver at Thrive and in those run by the people that we support and train.
We want more people to experience the benefits of STH. Our vision is for it to become widely available in the UK as an effective health intervention, and for STH practitioners to be recognised for their valued contribution to society. Our training creates an opportunity to expand STH’s reach.”
Thanks were given to the family who support Thrive in memory of gardener John Weightman providing funding towards the development of the Diploma as well as three bursary places per year. A John Weightman Prize for Excellence in learning was awarded to Rebecca Warrilow.
Rebecca Warrilow - recipient of the John Weightman Prize for Excellence in learning
Damien Newman, Training, Education and Consultancy Manager at Thrive acknowledged the dedication of all the students and trainers and spoke of Thrive’s person centred approach to training. He said: “Today we celebrate a group of incredibly deserving students who are advocates for STH each motivated by their own experiences and their will to do their best for others. Their consideration of individuals and the wider environment around them, highlights that social and therapeutic horticulture is in good hands.”
STH Diploma graduates celebrating
At Thrive, the role of an STH Practitioner is to put the client gardener at the centre of a healthcare intervention, using therapeutic gardening activities that focus on the client’s skills, abilities and interests, and creating of a positive environment in which they can thrive.
Thrive’s STH Diploma and STH Award courses are accredited by the Open College Network London and targeted at individuals who are looking to become experts in STH. For more information about Thrive’s STH training visit www.thrive.org.uk/get-training.