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Spring 2021 Issue 162

Dear Friend, 

Welcome to the Spring edition of Growth Point

When the history of the pandemic is written, the role of gardening and nature in helping people cope deserves more than a cursory entry. 

Next week is Mental Health Awareness Week which has a focus on nature. 

Mental Health Foundation research to coincide with the week has added statistical heft to the many anecdotes we all have heard. For example, 45 per cent of people reported being in green spaces had been vital for mental health. 

Not surprisingly the foundation is unequivocal about the potential here, asserting: ‘Nature is our great untapped resource for a mentally healthy future.’ 

In this edition of Growth Point, we report on organisations in our sector that are tapping into gardening and nature in new ways and how collaboration is bearing fruit. 

Best wishes,

Mark Lang, Editor

Conference puts green social prescribing in the spotlight

Green social prescribing is gaining momentum and can offer high quality services for patients, a virtual conference has heard. 

The role of nature-based interventions in promoting health was put in the spotlight at an online event organised by Reading Gardening for Health and Wellbeing Network, which includes Thrive.

Read more

Covid support project gets funding go-ahead

Thrive is among a group of organisations that have won funding to help people who have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak. 

The Thriving Communities Fund has given the Wild Being project £50,000 to assist people via social prescribing. 

Discover more

Momentum grows for new network

The promotion of Green Care in one English region is stepping up a gear as a network of groups comes together.

Find out more

Lower stroke risk linked to greener areas

Living in areas with greenery could help reduce the risk of strokes, preliminary 
research has shown. 

A study in Florida mapped green spaces against 249,000 Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and over. 

It found that those with homes in leafy districts had a 20 per cent lower risk of strokes or mini strokes, known as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), compared to those in the least green areas. 

The study was presented at the American Stroke Association's virtual International Stroke Conference. It is considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Train with Thrive this spring and summer

New opportunities to take part in Thrive training courses are now available for spring and summer. 

Introduction to Social and Therapeutic Horticulture Practice is aimed at people new to the subject and offers flexible learning over one week. 

Course dates are: 

  • 7-14 June 
  • 26 June – 5 July 

Social and Therapeutic Horticulture Practice is for those who want to learn how to develop an STH programme using a person-centred approach and offers flexible learning over two weeks. 

Course dates are: 

  • 17 May – 1 June 
  • 21 June – 5 July 
  • 19 July – 2 August 

Both our online blended learning offerings, combining online materials with live sessions with Thrive tutors.

Book here

Pandemic prompts new STH programme launch

A new Social and Therapeutic Horticulture project has been created to help people left socially isolated during the pandemic. 

All sessions are free and offer opportunities to socially connect with other local people and to develop new skills in a safe and welcoming environment. 

Read more

Green spaces play vital lockdown role

Visits to green spaces in England have risen since the start of coronavirus lockdown restrictions last year. 

New data from Natural England’s People and Nature Survey shows the proportion of adults visiting parks, gardens and natural spaces has increased by up to 15 per cent since last April. 

In February, two-thirds of people enjoyed time outdoors despite ongoing lockdown and wintry conditions, a proportion broadly consistent with January and December. 

Also 41 per cent of those questioned said visiting green and natural spaces has been even more important to their wellbeing since coronavirus.

Growing hope through gardening

Hope through gardening is the aim of a new horticultural therapy programme being organised to respond to the mental health crisis caused by coronavirus. 

The charity Growing People, based at Letchworth in Hertfordshire, says it wants to help people struggling with their mental wellbeing as a result of the pandemic. 

It has launched a Crowdfunder campaign to raise £10,000 to start a programme called Growing Hope, where donors will receive a handmade card, packet of seeds or other ‘rewards’ as thanks. Donations can be made here.

If you have news you would like to share with Growth Point readers, let us know.
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