Research backs gardening therapy

Research carried out in Leicestershire has revealed gardening is good for people with learning disabilities and mental illness. The study for the charity, Thrive, found time in the garden aided relaxation, improved social skills and gave a sense of achievement. The three-year study by a Loughborough University team looked at over 900 gardening-based projects. The team said results showed gardening was a valuable kind of therapy.

Groups involved in the study included those with learning difficulties and serious mental health problems, the long-term unemployed, victims of torture, and people with physical health problems and disabilities. The research revealed that being outside in the fresh air, undertaking the physical exercise that gardening demands, working with nature and nurturing plants, all helped to improve clients' health and well-being. Dr Jo Aldridge, one of the principal researchers, said: "Many of those who took part in the study were socially excluded and institutionalised in their daily lives. "They had little opportunity to get out in the fresh air and work alongside others. "In most cases clients' social skills and self-confidence increased as a result of taking part in gardening activity at projects".

Source: BBC News24 - 18 05 05

Art Therapy

Richard Brook, Chief Executive of Mind said: “Art and creativity can be an important means of self-expression for people with mental health problems, and can help break the stigma surrounding mental ill health".

Source: Mind

	The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) is the professional organisation for art therapists in the United Kingdom and has its own Code of Ethics of Professional Practice.
	Gardening can help anyone with a disability. Through its research, education and promotional activities Thrive aims to show how, why and where people with a disability can benefit.
	Jodarose.com is a magasite dedicated to painting and gardening. There is a gallery selling original watercolour paintings, handy tips around the garden and plenty of links to many great sites.