The Growing Group: A service evaluation of community horticultural therapy for adults with a learning disability and mental health difficulties

Abstract

A seasonal horticultural therapy group (‘the Growing Group’) ran yearly in a community adult learning disability service for people with mental health difficulties. The authors evaluated the outcomes of the attendees and explored improvements based on their feedback.This paper summarises a service evaluation across three different years of the Growing Group, combining feedback and outcome measures completed by attendees.The feedback and outcome measures of 15 Growing Group attendees, over three different years, were evaluated. In the first year, measures of self-esteem and wellbeing were collected, this changed to focus on quality of life and goals-based outcomes in later groups. Qualitative feedback from attendees over the three years on their experience of the group was included. Descriptive statistics were completed on the outcome measures, comparing scores at the beginning and end of the group. Qualitative feedback was reviewed using a thematic analytic approach to construct core themes.On average, all measures increased on completion of the group. Goal-based outcomes increased the most. Themes constructed from the qualitative feedback included the importance of connection (between people, with nature and with positive emotions), sense of achievement (in learning sills, and overcoming barriers) and some of the practical changes suggested in the organising future groups.The Growing Group should continue, due to improvements across all measures for attendees. The authors hope by sharing this, other services will consider offering similar groups, with a focus on social connection, in nature, in which attendees have opportunities to develop skills and connect to important values.■We looked at what changed for adults with a learning disability when they attended a gardening group in a field where we grew vegetables.■This service evaluation found that adults with a learning disability felt better after attending a gardening group and were closer to their goals.■People attending the group told us the Growing Group helped them to feel more connected with people and nature, and they felt proud of what they had learnt.