Dee is an excellent source of information, always answering questions in a simple and understandable manner, with a talent to convey a variety of subject in a clear, engaging and informative way. Her passion is very clear and infectious, and she has a great gift of being able to communicate her vast knowledge with people at their own level… a vital talent for a really good teacher/tutor ~ Naomi Lavelle, Owner, Dr Hows Science Wows
Social and Therapeutic Horticulture
There are several definitions for social and therapeutic horticulture (STH). UK charity Thrive UK describes it as:
“the process of using plants and gardens to improve physical and mental health, as well as communication and thinking skills. It also uses the garden as a safe and secure place to develop someone’s ability to mix socially, make friends and learn practical skills that will help them to be more independent.”
Since 2011, Dee Sewell has been working with a wide range of service users in the south-east of Ireland in therapeutic garden settings and has attended Thrive UK practitioner training. Combining social and therapeutic gardening methods along with her transformational community education skills, clients have included:
- The HSE Castle Activation
- The Delta Centre
- Merchants Quay Ireland
- Irish Wheelchair Association
- Signature Care Home
“The reported benefits of social and therapeutic horticulture include increased self-esteem and self-confidence, the development of horticultural, social and work skills, literacy and numeracy skills, an increased sense of general well-being and the opportunity for social interaction and the development of independence.”
- Dee has spoken on this subject for different groups, including communities supporting SICAP with County Carlow Development Partnership and students studying the BSc Horticulture with Waterford Institute of Technology (Kildalton).
