Health systems are searching for ways to improve outcomes, reduce inequalities and deliver more preventative care, often under intense financial pressure. Yet many disabled people and those living with ill health still face significant barriers to accessing the support that could help them improve their health and wellbeing.
Our new Social Return on Investment (SROI) study shows that Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) can help address critical national challenges, delivering life-changing outcomes for individuals while generating measurable value for society.
The study, conducted independently by Bean Research, found that we generated £14.1 million in social value from an investment of £1.79 million, equating to £7.92 of social value for every £1 invested.
The findings provide robust independent evidence for what we have seen for decades. Therapeutic gardening is a powerful tool for improving mental wellbeing, building confidence and helping people connect with others. They also reinforce a growing body of evidence that it reduces symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.
This is the strongest proof yet that therapeutic gardening not only delivers real benefit for people, it is also highly cost effective.
The study examined our work across our centres in Reading, London and Birmingham, involving 682 Client Gardeners, their carers and volunteers over a two-year period. It found significant improvements in mental wellbeing, social connection, physical health, confidence and connection with nature.
Perhaps most strikingly, improved mental wellbeing accounted for 61% of the total social value created. Across the study, 98% of Client Gardeners reported improvements in their mental wellbeing, while carers reported reduced worry, improved wellbeing and valuable respite from their caring responsibilities.
Behind the statistics are hundreds of people whose lives have changed. One of those people is Vicki who found support for her mental wellbeing while living with multiple sclerosis and depression.
I don’t have anyone on the outside and I spend most of my days alone,
Vicki explains. “Thrive has been a huge part of changing that. Even though it’s only one day a week, it changes everything. I have something to look forward to and after, I find myself taking on challenges at home that I would normally avoid.”
The study also highlights the wider impact created beyond the individual benefits. Nearly a quarter of the benefit generated was experienced by carers, families and friends, demonstrating the often-overlooked ripple effect of effective community support. Thrive generated more than 90,000 hours of respite time for carers during the period studied, while volunteers also reported significant wellbeing benefits from their involvement.
As the Government and NHS seek to shift care closer to communities and place greater emphasis on prevention, these findings arrive at a critical moment.
Recent Defra-funded research into Green Social Prescribing identified key challenges facing nature-based providers. Demand is growing, but short-term funding and limited capacity continue to restrict access. The research concluded that sustained investment and effective referral pathways will be essential if nature-based interventions are to reach more people.
At the same time, evidence from the Cross-Government Green Social Prescribing programme found strong engagement among communities experiencing high levels of social inequality. 57% of participants come from the most socio-economically deprived areas and 21% from ethnic minority populations, demonstrating that nature-based activities can reach populations who are typically less likely to access clinical mental health support.
The study shows the scale of impact a greater investment could bring.
If Government, the NHS and Integrated Care Boards are serious about prevention, reducing health inequalities and improving mental health, investment must follow the evidence.
The challenge is no longer proving that therapeutic gardening works, or that it is cost-effective. The challenge is making it available to everyone who could benefit from it.
Through greater investment and stronger referral pathways from health, social care and community services, many more people, just like Vicki, could experience life-changing benefits.
