RESEARCH

Feeling thankful: Therapeutic and Educational Benefits of Agriculture and Horticulture

This article suggests that TH-TA can help young people overcome challenges by providing opportunities for purposeful work, social interaction, and outdoor experiences, ultimately improving their well-being and educational outcomes. The research highlights the importance of creating safe, supportive environments where young people can develop resilience and connect with nature.

Program Types: Therapeutic, Social

Population Groups: Children/Youth, Mental Health Challenges/Trauma, General Population

Setting or Context: Schools/Educational Settings, Community Gardens, Farms

Allied Profession Intersections: Recreational Therapy, Social Work, Counselling, Education

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Environmental Education, Forest/Natural Area Immersion, Mindfulness/Visualizations

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Case Studies, Qualitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

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Summary

This article discusses how therapeutic horticulture (TH) and therapeutic agriculture (TA) can support young people facing challenges. The research was conducted in the North-East-North-Cumbria (NENC) region of England, and it looked at existing projects like care farms and school gardens. The study explored how these activities could improve young people’s well-being and educational outcomes.

The research identified three key elements in TH-TA: purposeful work, social interaction, and being outdoors. The findings showed that these projects provided positive life experiences, personal agency, and health and well-being benefits for the young people involved. The study also offers guidance for practitioners and future projects using TH and/or TA, including the importance of supportive staff, a caring environment, and opportunities for young people to experience both success and failure.

Link

Hayes, T. A., Grimwood, S., & Christie, M. (2022). Feeling thankful: Therapeutic and educational benefits of agriculture and horticulture. Social Publishers Foundation Practitioner Research.

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