Although there is growing interest among health and social care professionals in the social and therapeutic value of horticulture, there is little evidence that demonstrates the range of outcomes for vulnerable groups, including those with learning difficulties and mental health problems. Growing Together project, the first detailed study of horticulture and gardening projects across the UK. Drawing on the results of a survey of over 800 projects, and in-depth case studies and interviews with vulnerable adults who use horticulture and gardening as a form of therapy, the report: describes and discusses the benefits to vulnerable adults of attending gardening and horticulture projects, provides demographic information about the distribution of projects in the UK and participation in these projects by vulnerable adults, analyses the processes involved in promoting and achieving health and well being outcomes using gardening, horticulture and related activities, makes policy and practice recommendations in respect of how best to promote social inclusion using social and therapeutic horticulture.

Horticulture and gardening activity is used as a therapy in the UK for growing numbers of vulnerable people, including those with mental health problems, learning difficulties and other health and social problems. However, until now little published work has focused on how horticulture and gardening can help to promote social inclusion for these vulnerable groups. This guide looks at the ways in which social and therapeutic horticulture (STH) projects can help foster independence, build self esteem and confidence and provide training and employment opportunities for people with health or social problems. This guide will be useful for anyone thinking about setting up STH services for vulnerable groups or for those already providing STH support but who want to understand further the nature and extent of provision currently available in the UK. The Growing Together project is a partnership between Loughborough University and Thrive and has been funded by the Big Lottery Fund. This guide complements a research study, Health, well-being and social inclusion: Therapeutic horticulture in the UK, which is also available from The Policy Press.

Meet Carly. Carly is a young person caring for her mother who has Multiple Sclerosis and depression. Part of the best-selling Can I Tell You about... series, this book raises awareness about children who live with and care for parents or other relatives in the home. It describes what young carers like Carly do, and the practical and emotional impact caring can have on home and school life, both positive and negative. It also explains what support is available for young carers, including from family, friends and teachers as well as other professionals and online. Carly's story will help young carers explore their worries and concerns, and help family members and professionals support young carers.

This book examines the nature of participatory research in the social sciences and its role in increasing participation among vulnerable or marginalised populations. Drawing on engaging in-depth case studies, it examines the ways in which inclusion and collaboration in research can be enhanced among vulnerable participants, such as those with profound learning difficulties, victims of abuse and trauma and multiply vulnerable children and young people, and shows how useful it can be with these groups. The book will be an invaluable resource for students, researchers and academics in many countries who want to put participatory research methods into practice.

This book examines the nature of participatory research in the social sciences and its role in increasing participation among vulnerable or marginalised populations. Drawing on engaging in-depth case studies, it examines the ways in which inclusion and collaboration in research can be enhanced among vulnerable participants, such as those with profound learning difficulties, victims of abuse and trauma and multiply vulnerable children and young people, and shows how useful it can be with these groups. The book will be an invaluable resource for students, researchers and academics in many countries who want to put participatory research methods into practice.

Little is known about the experiences of children living in families affected by severe and enduring mental illness. This is the first in-depth study of children and young people caring for parents affected in this way. Drawing on primary research data collected from 40 families, the book presents the perspectives of children (young carers), their parents and the key professionals in contact with them. Children caring for parents with mental illness makes an invaluable contribution to the growing evidence base on parental mental illness and outcomes for children. It: * is the first research-based text to examine the experiences and needs of children caring for parents with severe mental illness; * provides the perspectives of children, parents and key professionals in contact with these families; * reviews existing medical, social, child protection and young carers literatures on parental mental illness and consequences for children; * provides a chronology and guide to relevant law and policy affecting young carers and parents with severe mental illness; * makes concrete recommendations and suggestions for improving policy and professional practice; * contributes to the growing evidence base on parental mental illness and outcomes for children and families.