A horticultural therapeutic programme
We work with you to create a unique horticultural programme, we design the programme with your client’s needs, aspirations and ability in mind. We work with staff within schools, agencies or clubs to bring about a deep connection to nature to enhance wellbeing.
A programme may have at its core a need to create team building, embed English and Maths or help relieve stress and anxiety. Working with plants either indoor or out can achieve these objectives plus many additional positive benefits.
An example of a programme
Growing and learning workshop
Therapists: 2
Client group:
Five individuals who have mild to moderate learning disabilities. Aged between 18 to 19.
Referred to the class from local careers service to create a initial step into group activity for the Learning Skills for Work Pathway.
Maximimum number of clients: 5
Note this number varies on the clients need, activity and setting
Duration: 9.30am to 11.30am
Location:
Further Education College in town centre
Classroom setting:
An area of the classroom is kept clear for clients who may need a quiet period whilst in class.
Short term aim of the client/service user:
To learn about herbs, their uses and benefits.
Pot up young herb plants.
Prune and care for plants.
Make information cards for the pots.
Make sprigs of Rosemary, tied with ribbon and information cards.
In the following sessions a trade stand will be erected where the students can sell the sprigs and herbs to staff and fellow students, passing on the information they have learnt.
The class aims to be fun, engaging, stimulate conversation, develop skills in concentration, empathy, cooperation, confidence in meeting new people
Longterm aim:
To improve communication skills, engagement, working as a team, listening, questioning and confidence building.
Over the course of the sessions the service user will become familiar with a selection of herbs They will take ownership of this knowledge to pass onto others.
This will build confidence, create a link to starting conversations. Engagement with fellow pupils of the college.
The goal of the lesson is in conjunction with the Learning Skills for Work Pathway. The goal was set at session 1 in conjunction with the service users.
This initial class is to create confidence, teamwork, social skills and to engage and become familiar with the public.
The 6 session workshop runs at 9.30 am every Tuesday. Once the service user has completed the workshop, they will receive a certificate which enables them to commence the next level of workshops with the aim to aid employment.
We discuss and agree with the service users, ground rules, and a group goal from session 1.
The group goal is to create a safe place to come and learn
The individual goals are discussed and agreed with each student at the interview stage of the workshop.
Working with the students to achieve this goal and creating an environment for success works in conjunction with the PEOP model
The Peop model
Emphasis on the interaction between person & environment, and how this affects occupation (Law et al 1996)
Client-centred approach, collaborate with patient to establish therapeutic goals
Top-down rather than bottom-up model, so is holistic and person-centred (Fawcett 2007)
Comprehensive list of factors; useful guide for a novice OT who leans towards more prescriptive
frameworks until they acquire tacit expertise (Robertson 2012)
https://lifelonglearningwithot.wordpress.com/tag/peop-model/
Success how ?
Building self confidence
Achievable tasks
Group participation
Small group setting
Class held in a further education college, interactions with peers and public
Gain knowledge
Achievable, information to be attained
Confidence in passing on accurate information about rosemary
Developing social skills
Group participation
Raising aspirations
Interaction with peers and public
Increased independents