Horticultural therapy at Brockfield House (NHS)

Groundwork is running horticultural therapy workshops to help the recovery of adults living at the facility.

Horticultural therapy

What benefits does horticultural therapy have?

For those who have been detained under the Mental Health Act or Court Order, and patients with a range of complex needs, the centre has been developing a food growing project to learn new skills and improve patients’ well-being and future prospects.

The workshops provided by Groundwork as part of the food growing project have a positive impact on patients’ skills, confidence, wellbeing, motivation, and contribution to recovery plans. They boost practical, teamwork and communication skills, confidence and well-being, the project will improve patients’ prospects and ability to fulfil their potential within their community post-discharge.

External support from Groundwork gives patients experience of working with people outside the patient/staff dynamic which helps patients build their confidence and skills to secure external work experience opportunities.


What has Groundwork delivered previously?

Brockfield House commissioned Groundwork to run six workshops in 2018 to enable patients and staff to build their horticultural skills and become more confident at harvesting and using produce. There was also a very well received seasonal workshop making traditional willow wreaths in December 2018.


What is on offer?

This year the project will see the existing vegetable growing area into a holistic healing garden, incorporating vegetable and flower growing with a seating/activity area. There will also be the creation of a garden that feels welcoming to all, and promotes wellbeing through active or passive engagement with plants, nature and outdoor space.

Brockfield House, with support from Groundwork, will provide a yearlong programme focusing on:

  • Supporting the group to evolve the existing raised bed/vegetable area into a holistic garden space.
  • Developing horticultural skills (including use of the poly tunnel during winter) and developing session resources which will be used by future participants (patients and staff).
  • Introducing a more diverse range of activities to the group to complement their existing growing activities e.g. garden crafts, flower and heritage skills.
  • Provide a programme events/workshops that can be offered to the wider patient community.
  • Develop patients’ life skills, e.g. linking with cooking and healthy eating, preparing produce for use in the Brockfield House’s canteen.

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