Study: Therapeutic uses of farming/horticulture

The Research

Can farming be therapeutic? Help with the research.

University College Dublin has joined with partners from six other European countries to work on a new European Union-funded research project entitled ‘Social Services in Multifunctional Farms’ (Social Farming). The purpose of the project is to explore the nature and extent of care provision for vulnerable people in association with farming/animal husbandry/gardening activities in a range of settings; to facilitate linkages between practitioners/providers and researchers and to inform and support the design of relevant future policies at regional and European level.

The research involves partners in Italy, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Slovenia, France and on the island of Ireland.

The premise: can farming be therapeutic?

In a number of these countries the use of farming, animal husbandry and gardening is widely used as a therapeutic holistic experience in its own right; and as a tool to integrate users of care services alongside the wider public within their communities. At present, we are not clear about the extent to which farming, animal husbandry and gardening is offered in association with care facilities/opportunities in Ireland or Northern Ireland. Therefore, initially we are seeking leads to people who are directly involved in, or are aware of, activities happening in their area.

Interested in all aspects

We are interested in all aspects from informal arrangements where people may spend some time on a farm, working alongside the gardener or farmer, to larger activities where institutions may use farming, animal husbandry and/or gardening as a therapeutic or rehabilitative activity.

All sorts of people

We are interested in hearing from anyone participating in or working with activities involving people with mental health difficulties, people with disabilities (intellectual, physical and sensory), drug/ alcohol rehabilitation services, prisoner rehabilitation services, services for older people, women’s groups, men’s groups, therapeutic activities for children.

We are also interested in hearing from anyone that is aware of any care activity in association with farming, animal husbandry and/or horticulture/gardening no matter what the background As this is an all-Ireland study, we are interested in initiatives both North and South of the border.

If you require any further details on the project, or have any suggestions to make please contact Aideen Mc Gloin at the contact details given in the information box. We would gratefully appreciate your contribution to this study.