Date – 4 September 2023
Time – 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Join us for the Social and Therapeutic Horticulture Network Meeting about Supporting Military Veterans
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 Monday, 4th September at 6 pm via Zoom, and it promises to be an insightful and engaging gathering focused on the topic of supporting military veterans through horticultural therapy. The meeting is open to all with an interest in this field.
Event Details:
Date: Monday, 4th September
Time: 6:00 pm
The meeting will feature two speakers from the field of STH experienced at working with armed forces veterans with mental and physical health issues.
Meet the Speaker:
Andy Wright
Andy’s love for horticulture traces back to his childhood, where he spent time with his Grandad, a gardener who served as his inspiration. His professional career began right after leaving school, and he has since gained extensive experience in various horticultural fields. From fine turf and sports pitches to obtaining an HND in Arboriculture and excelling as a tree surgeon, Andy’s expertise knows no bounds. He also found success in landscape and tree surgery, even winning awards like the Chelsea Gold medal in 2017 and the Gold Award at BBC Gardeners World Live in 2021.
In 2018, Andy’s journey took a significant turn when he moved to the Midlands to establish and manage the Therapeutic Gardens at DMRC Stanford Hall in Loughborough, Leicestershire (The Armed Forces principal rehabilitation unit). Here, he discovered the power of horticulture as a tool for rehabilitation, aiding both physical and mental health recovery for patients, including military veterans. Andy’s dedication to horticultural therapy led him to attain the skills of a Technical Instructor, allowing him to work hands-on with patients during their sessions.
Now, running a small gardening and landscaping company, Andy’s vision is to train and support military veterans, not only in horticultural work but also in leveraging its benefits for their everyday lives, helping them overcome the challenges and traumas they amassed during their service.