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A Stroke of Genius at The Therapy Garden

2nd June 2017

A stroke of genius at Normandy Therapy Garden

A grant of £3,800 has supported The Therapy Garden in Normandy in offering a therapeutic horticulture course to 12 local stroke survivors. The group took part in a range of gardening activities such as growing, harvesting and maintaining the gardens. They enjoyed activities at their own pace, in a peaceful and supportive environment supported by volunteers and experienced horticulturists.

A Stroke of Genius

The Therapy Garden is a horticulture and education charity that uses gardening to generate positive change. The ‘Stroke of Genius’ project offers social and therapeutic horticulture to a group of stroke survivors and their carers. It provides stroke survivors with gentle exercise and physical activity whilst they learn about gardening. Stroke sufferers are prone to becoming isolated while they are recovering. This project offers an opportunity to socialise and connect with new people, whilst being inclusive of carers.

It had previously partnered with the Stroke Association to run a taster course for eight stroke survivors. When the pilot ended, the group expressed a desire to return. The grant enabled the course to run for a further six weeks and to expand the number of attendees. Volunteers enjoyed seeing the group return, building relationships with the group and seeing how they progressed during the course.

A Stroke Association support worker encouraged Nicholas* to attend Therapy Garden. Nicholas has always been a keen gardener and explained “It’s nice to get back into gardening and now I’m encouraged to do more in my own garden.”

Referrals to The Therapy Garden are made by local coordinators of national charities such as the Stroke Association. Alternatively a GP can refer you, or it is possible to self-refer. To find out more about The Therapy Garden, the services they offer and how to get involved, please see their website.

*Name changed

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A grant of £1,000 to 4getMe-Nots has supported isolated individuals, particularly those with mental health problems, to meet on a weekly basis, take part in activities, receive support and access services and community facilities.

Whilst the group aims to reduce isolation, it is also a place where community needs can be expressed with Community Wardens and others working within the local community. Additionally, the group helps participants to practice techniques suggested by organisations such as the NHS which are designed to help people with mental health problems. The group also enables members to learn about practical ideas to improve their caring skills by talking to other carers and benefit from respite care.

The group runs in a notable area of deprivation and many residents suffer from social isolation as a result of their mental health problems. Participants look forward to each session and to the benefits that they receive from well-being courses and the activities provided, impacting positively on their overall health.

The group offers courses throughout the year, which include craft skills and first aid training, as well as informative talks for the group on subjects of interest. This grant has also supported the group to go on some day trips which provide a safe, supported and affordable opportunity for people to visit places they otherwise wouldn’t be able to.