The Diploma and Award graduates are now qualified STH practitioners, helping to increase access to therapeutic gardening across the UK and improving people’s physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
At a special ceremony near Reading, Thrive CEO Ben Thomas praised both Thrive’s commitment to excellence and the learners’ achievements:
"The Diploma and Award is a key part of elevating Social and Therapeutic Horticulture. It brings recognition and respect, raises professional standards, and enhances the perception of STH among commissioners. This builds greater confidence in referrals and encourages more people to benefit from our services."
Thanks were also given to the family supporting Thrive in memory of gardener John Weightman. Their funding has helped develop the Diploma and provides three annual bursary places.
The John Weightman Prize for Excellence in Learning was awarded to Zoe Bullivant in recognition of outstanding achievement.
Damien Newman, Training, Education and Consultancy Manager, praised the commitment of both students and trainers, highlighting their person-centred approach to learning. He said: “You all bring extraordinary passion and a deep desire to spend time in gardens, nurturing living things and that is an incredibly powerful tool for supporting health and wellbeing.”
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.