Hannah is an occupational therapist working at the Head Injury Therapy Unit (HITU) at Frenchay. Here, Hannah talks us through how ecotherapy sessions are providing patients with an alternative environment for their rehabilitation from brain trauma injuries.
Since March 2018 an ecotherapy group has been running throughout the growing seasons (March – November) here at the Head Injury Therapy Unit (HITU) on the Frenchay site. The 90-minute sessions that take place in our garden offer an alternative environment for rehabilitation. Patients are aware that the aim is not primarily to learn gardening skills but to use the space to focus on specific brain injury recovery goals as part of their participation. These can include but are not limited to:
As well as being able to work on these personal goals, patients also benefit from access to support within an informal space. This enables conversation around their injury should they wish to discuss it with someone who can empathise. Although each injury and recovery process is unique there are also many commonalities. Having someone to relate to can provide invaluable reassurance and validation for how the individual might be feeling.
The group is also effective as a stepping stone for engaging in more leisure or voluntary groups or even returning to employment. After long periods in hospital, and then time at home, this established ‘new normal’ requires a gradual process of learning to integrate with society again. The ecotherapy group is an ideal bridge for someone who might be nervous about this process, as they can build confidence at a rate that prevents being overwhelmed and any consequent set-backs.
In terms of what we do practically within the group, the past couple of years have seen not only the success of various vegetables including courgettes, beans, squash, potatoes, and tomatoes being grown, but also the construction of a bug hotel, additional planters, and compost bins made from wooden pallets. This offers up a sense of meaning and purpose for our patients through taking on these various roles and responsibilities.
Previous patients have also returned to become volunteers and help coordinate the group, which is a delight for both themselves and the staff here at HITU alike. We completed some fundraising back in September 2019 and are using the money available to keep developing the garden.
Most of all there is a clear message of hope that comes through gardening. Not only via the act of planting a seed but seeing the unexpected flowers bloom and new life appearing each week. By experiencing this sense of hope gained from our natural environment, patients can adopt it within their own recovery journey and feel a personal sense of hope for the future.
You can continue to support patients and staff at our hospitals by donating today. Thank you.
