Therapeutic Horticulture
Working with plants and being outdoors in a green environment have proven benefits for physical and mental wellbeing.
The vineyard is a safe and secure place where people can become more physically active, develop confidence and abilities to mix socially, make friends and learn practical skills.
Through links with other local charities, the vineyard has supported young and old people, people with brain injuries, autism and learning difficulties, jobless, those experiencing homelessness and ex-offenders.
It's also a valuable social environment for people with little external contact with others on a regular basis.
Working outdoors can be a much more comfortable environment for people who struggle with working and meeting new people in confined spaces. New skills and experiences can improve chances of employment, or simply help people find their feet again after an illness or difficult time in their lives.
Teamed up with our volunteer mentors, participants help with seasonal tasks to care for the vineyard. Our medieval garden area, tours and events also provide broader opportunities to get involved, build skills, confidence and a sense of purpose and achievement.
I enjoy coming here and I don’t want it to end
- Pav, one of the 3 students.
St John's School Project
In a rewarding pilot project with St John's Special College in Bedford, three of their students with learning disabilities or autism, and in their last year of school education, came to the vineyard on a fortnightly basis from April to July 2017. The students visibly gained in confidence and learned new skills, as did the volunteers, and true bonds were built which lasted the whole of the length of the project. The feeling on all sides was that the pilot was a success, and the school have been coming back ever since.
Students work closely with a small group of committed volunteers to carry out a variety of tasks. These include digging holes and planting vines, potting up plants, propagation, watering, and stripping leaves to allow more sunlight to reach the maturing grapes.
To acknowledge their efforts, on the last day they were presented with certificates by vineyard manager Jane Markham.
Clients have various challenges which may be due to a traumatic life crisis, issues with drug/alcohol additions, poor mental health, homelessness, release from prison etc. We have had several clients who have worked at the Vineyard and I can honestly say their experience there has had a lifechanging effect.
- T. Russo, Senior Independent Living Officer, Central Bedfordshire Council
“The vineyard has given me structure in life and I feel that I have found a niche. I’m learning to manage stress and not to take on more than I can cope with so it has been a really positive experience”
The students have benefitted immensely by working in such a lovely but unfamiliar environment. This has enabled them to develop their skills and make them more confident
- Senior Learning Support Assistant, St John’s School