You’ll be proud providing them tools for reitegration into community and family life; teaching and recovering healthy food habits, hygiene and general care. All this with the conviction to convert patients in future traines and multipliers of this methodology for other people in the same situation.
The use of horticulture as a therapy for these patients can allow them to get great psychological, physical and social benefits, improving the quality of their life tremendously. Tasks can be selected to suit each individual’s abilities and needs, and any impairment or disability can be taken into account, so that they do things where they can achieve success, be it sowing seeds, potting on, mowing the grass, pruning the shrubs, tending the herb garden, planting bulbs or designing a part of the garden, for example.
This is also of benefit to improve their coordination and balance. Another great advantage is that the patients’ social skills improve, as well as their communication skills. This socialization seems to relieve the stigma of mental illness and helps restore their confidence and builds self-esteem.
As a volunteer you’ll be in charge of the re-socialization of patients who are about to be discharged, of providing therapeutic support and social assistance and of taking part of the cultural activities at the hospital. You’ll have access to all the necessary tools such as literature, seeds and equipment.
This is a great project to work on. You’ll feel you are making a difference from the moment you step a foot on it. Seeing how these patients life transforms for the better is the best reward.