Date – 7 May 2024
Time – 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
We are pleased to invite members and non members to our upcoming Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) Special Interest Group network meeting. This event will take place on Tuesday 7th May at 6.00pm via Zoom.
Topic: STH for Special Education Needs
Join us for our next network meeting aimed at exploring the impact of social and therapeutic horticulture on individuals with Special Educational Needs.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from practitioners in the field of social and therapeutic horticulture. From programming ideas to case studies highlighting successful initiatives, focusing on inclusivity, empowerment, and well-being for individuals with learning disabilities this event aims to inspire and equip participants with valuable insights.
Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or simply curious about this topic this network meeting welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and levels of experience.
Mark Emery
Mark has worked directly with children with SEND using STH and has wide ranging experience with over 6 years working as a practitioner, he currently works for Thrive.
Leila Alcalde Banet
Horticulture trainer lead at Share Community, London. We are a leading provider of specialist programmes and activities for adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs. Our committed team works to support our students to live happier, healthier and more independent lives. Our garden centre is based in Share’s 2.5-acre garden in the grounds of Springfield University Hospital. In total 164 students accessed our services last year, where 61 of them improved their gardening skills, growing and nurturing a range of plants and vegetables enjoying the social and therapeutic benefits of horticulture.
Leila will talk about how the service at the garden has changed in the last 20 years as well as the impact that has on the students.
Leila studied a degree in Horticulture in Spain (RQF Level 6). After some years working in the sector, she decided to specialise in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (Coventry University). Since 2015, she has worked with different people with different needs in Spain, Germany and, of course, UK. She has also co-funded the Spanish Association for Social and Therapeutic Horticulture in 2018.
vitaminaverdeth@gmail.com
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/leila-alcalde-banet-308b7626/en
https://www.instagram.com/vitamina_verde_th/
https://www.facebook.com/vitaminaverdeterapiahorticola/
Christine Falconer
Head of Social & Therapeutic Horticulture at Parklea Branching Out in Port Glasgow.
Parklea Branching Out (PBO) have been supporting adults and young people with additional support needs through horticultural activities for 27 years, starting small but now employing 15 members of staff and working with upwards of 60 clients per week.
Christine will talk about how PBO have created an inclusive environment, and how activities are adapted for their wide range of clients, as well as how they approach some of the challenges they have come up against.
Christine was a florist for nearly 25 years with a love of gardening inherited from her parents. She chose to move to PBO for a career change when her children reached High School age. She has achieved the Post graduate Diploma in STH with Coventry University and Pershore College and now oversees the STH side of PBO.
www.facebook.com/parkleaassocation.org.uk
www.instagram.com/parkleabranchingout/
Registration is required.
Free to Members, Non Members £5.