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

Run by Hywel Dda University Health Board’s (UHB) community neuro-rehabilitation service in partnership with Scolton Manor Park, the group provides adapted gardening and outdoor activities for eligible patients.

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.

The service’s occupational therapy staff 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 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 neuro-rehabilitation 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.

Feedback from people who have attended the group, highlights the positive impact HUG has had on their lives; the following accolades are just two examples:

“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.”

“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.”

Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist at Hywel Dda UHB Phillippa Lee said: “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.”