Supported Therapeutic Gardening
We offer therapeutic horticulture in our Community Gardens for groups and individuals experiencing poor mental health or who are lonely and isolated. Currently, the sessions run on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 am - 3 pm, and will eventually run daily from 10 am - 3 pm. The sessions include a lunch cooked by the group.
The horticulture work will involve: shaping the garden plans, preparing the land, sowing seeds, propagating, transplanting, caring for plants, picking and preparing them for sale and customer service. The site is planned as a commercial business.
Although we will not be providing specific mental health support, the work that we do will promote recovery and wellbeing through physical activity and teamwork.
The 500-acre farm is an immensely peaceful, therapeutic setting. Participants will have individualised goals and we will give appropriate support or signposting as and when required. People can engage on their own terms - as much or as little as they would like.
Working outdoors increases confidence and self-esteem and builds emotional and social resourcefulness as people become part of a community that works together and shares a common, tangible goal.
If Living Potential is suitable, applicants can start within a few weeks. Groups already formed are welcome to attend for a day out and would be welcome to attend regularly.
Please contact Sarah@livingpotentialcarefarming.org.uk 07521 219254 or kirsty@livingpotentialcarefarming.org.uk 07724 544359, they will be happy to show you around and have a chat about what you'd like to do.
If you would like to volunteer to grow fruit and vegetables and to support our therapeutic gardening, please go to the Support Us page.
Enquiry Form
Professional Referral
Criteria for completing a Professional Referral:
Living Potential Care Farm placements in our Community Gardens are suitable for people with a variety of needs and backgrounds such as mental health problems, brain injuries, autistic spectrum disorders or dementia
People can be referred to us if they are:
- 18 years or older
- Able to get around the farm safely without hurting themselves
- Able to work alongside other people or work towards this
- Keen to work outdoors
A referral is not appropriate for people:
- With severe mobility problems
- Not keen to work outdoors
- Who are not allowed to work alongside vulnerable people/young people because of past behaviour/offences committed
- Who do not have access to funding
- Whose challenging behaviour would pose a risk in a farm environment or to other people even with 1:1 support
If you have a formal Mental Health Diagnosis and meet the criteria above, we will ask a professional to complete our referral form. Our form can be downloaded by clicking the button below. Once complete, please email the form to tanya@livingpotentialcarefarming.org.uk or post it to FAO Tanya Bish, Living Potential, Carlston Hill Farm, Paddock House Lane, Sicklinghall. LS22 4BN.