Patients praise neurorehabilitation gardening group in Pembrokeshire

27 November 2024

People living with the effects of brain injury and neurological conditions have praised the positive impact of Pembrokeshire’s first therapeutic neurorehabilitation gardening group.

The group is run by Hywel Dda University Health Board’s (UHB) community neuro-rehabilitation service, an inter-disciplinary team always looking at ways of improving a person’s health, recovery, and rehabilitation.

In a partnership between Scolton Manor Park and the community neurorehabilitation service, the group provides adapted gardening and outdoor activities for eligible patients as part of their community neurorehabilitation.

Following a successful six-week pilot in 2021, participants named themselves the Heads-Up Gardening Group - or HUG - with further seasonal groups continuing throughout 2024 with varied gardening activities.

Occupational therapy staff from the community neurorehabilitation service have been pivotal in initiating and developing the therapeutic gardening group, alongside invaluable input and support from Scolton Manor Park staff and the wider multidisciplinary team.

This has included physiotherapy, neuropsychology, speech and language therapy, Neuro nurse specialist and therapy assistant practitioners and the head gardener at Scolton Manor Park.

The pilot project in 2021 was led by Phillippa Lee, Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist at Hywel Dda UHB, who said: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to be able to facilitate a local therapeutic group, bringing people together to develop themselves, learn to self-manage their symptoms and support each other’s rehabilitation journey.

“The team felt people’s needs and rehabilitation goals could be met in a therapeutic group setting, which had proved successful in other counties.

“We work as a team with a shared purpose, modifying therapeutic activities within a nourishing environment, to work on individual needs and goals as part of their community neuro-rehabilitation plan.

“We have seen positive patient outcomes, with people moving on from the HUG group to voluntary roles, returning to work and embarking on other life goals.

“We are now in the process of evaluating the impact on people’s recovery and rehabilitation as HUG approaches its eleventh cohort and is due to restart again in spring 2025.”

The gardening group activity is led by Scolton Manor Park’s head gardener, Simon Richards, alongside occupational therapists and therapy assistant practitioners, with support from the community neurorehabilitation service.

Participants of the group have opportunities to become mentors or move onto the voluntary roles and opportunities at Scolton Manor Park, such as being part of the ‘Green Team’. These opportunities can then lead to paid employment.

Here is some feedback from people who have attended the group, highlighting the positive impact HUG has had on their lives:

“When I first went to the group, I felt a bit nervous and awkward to meet new people and I didn’t know what we were going to do. But it only took a few sessions to feel at ease. The staff were very helpful, and it was great to meet people that understand similar situations.”

“Such a brilliant group to be involved with. It’s so helpful to spend time with people who have similar issues. I’ve learnt a lot about gardening and moved forward a lot as a person.”

“I have enjoyed the group very much; it has helped me with my confidence. Thank you all so much for giving me my life back and all the support everyone has given me. A big thank you to Simon for all the help he has given me on this journey of life.”

“Positive supportive environment to learn more about nature and how to manage fatigue and other symptoms of brain injury. Great way to meet and enjoy time with others affected by Brain Injury and make new friends. Diolch o’r galon to Simon and the neurorehab team for great outdoor experiences."

Phillipa concluded: “We hope to be able to continue this joint venture with Scolton Manor Park and would like to thank all those involved for making this rehabilitation opportunity possible.”

“A special thanks to our partners at Scolton Manor Park, Mark Thomas and Simon Richards, and to all the staff working within the community neurorehabilitation service for their enthusiasm and commitment to continuing with this valuable group.

“We would like to especially thank our patients for inspiring us to develop HUG, for all their hard work, dedication and creativity.”