GREEN THERAPY IN DORSET

A Growing Opportunity

What is green therapy?

Using the outdoor rural environment as a therapeutic tool to improve mental and

physical health and well-being

Offers voluntary occupational opportunitiessmall-scale farming

therapeutic horticulturegreen gyms

animal-assisted therapy

Who can use it?

People with specialist or particular needs

mental health eg addiction and depression

learning difficulties

autism, dementia and ageing

general rehabilitation and re-education

Volunteers from the local community

Benefits?

develops confidence through participation

improved mental and physical health

improved life and employment skills

increased self-esteem through useful work

possible sheltered work opportunities

enjoyment!

supports rural economy

UK and Europe

Well established in Europe

1100 establishments in Netherlands

Care Farming UK established 2005

50+ recognised establishments in five areas

East Anglia, Staffordshire, Sheffield

closest to Dorset approach

Dorset so far

Charities, social enterprise and community interest organisations

Allotment schemes Animal rescue and riding therapy

Commercial nurseries Communal establishments

Farms Day activities

Inclusive, flexible, vibrant and much potential

How do you find out about it?

SOURCE databaseto include links to general green health

opportunities

Community employment schemesVolunteer Bureaux

Support organisationsGPs

Roadshows

The Providers’ Forum

Second quarterly meeting February

Funding and consortium

Sharing resources and training

Promotion and profile

Housekeeping

Accreditation – March conference

Future issues

Explore gaps in Dorset provision

Joint national work on benefits evaluation

National database of farm establishments

The map