1. GREEN THERAPY IN DORSET A Growing Opportunity

2. What is green therapy? Using the outdoor rural environment as a therapeutic tool to improve mental and physical health and well-being Offers voluntary occupational opportunities small-scale farming therapeutic horticulture green gyms animal-assisted therapy

3. Who can use it? People with specialist or particular needs mental health eg addiction and depression learning difficulties autism, dementia and ageing general rehabilitation and re-education Volunteers from the local community

4. Benefits? develops confidence through participation improved mental and physical health improved life and employment skills increased self-esteem through useful work possible sheltered work opportunities enjoyment! supports rural economy

5. UK and Europe Well established in Europe 1100 establishments in Netherlands Care Farming UK established 2005 50+ recognised establishments in five areas East Anglia, Staffordshire, Sheffield closest to Dorset approach

6. Dorset so far Charities, social enterprise and community interest organisations Allotment schemes Animal rescue and riding therapy Commercial nurseries Communal establishments Farms Day activities Inclusive, flexible, vibrant and much potential

7. How do you find out about it? SOURCE database to include links to general green health opportunities Community employment schemes Volunteer Bureaux Support organisations GPs Roadshows

8. The Providers’ Forum Second quarterly meeting February Funding and consortium Sharing resources and training Promotion and profile Housekeeping Accreditation – March conference

9. Future issues Explore gaps in Dorset provision Joint national work on benefits evaluation National database of farm establishments

10. The map