Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Report by Andrew Farmer, MERCi on behalf of the Joint Health Unit March 2006
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Proof reading
Catriona Fothergill, Simon Hollinworth, Barbara Lewis, Caroline Downey, Keith Adams.
Picture Postcards
Local Agenda 21 website www.la21.org
Executive summary Introduction Summary of scheme Community Inclusion Ongoing support Aims and objectives Evidence of Need Government White Papers Educational Research Media Articles Pathways to Manchester Allotments Horticultural Projects in Manchester Cookery Courses in Manchester Food & Nutrition / Cooking Skill Courses available in Manchester Conclusions
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report has been compiled as a result of research carried out using various media. Government white papers, educational research papers, publications and media articles have been read and evaluated. Manchester's 40 allotment sites have been identified and contact details obtained. Horticultural projects in Manchester have been evaluated. Food/nutrition and cookery courses/training in Manchester have been mapped. It is the governments aim that people should choose for themselves how to improve their own health. Exercise and food are high priority items on the health agenda but has, until recently, been a low priority in the education sector. Recent research found that only 38% of 7 to 15 year olds could prepare a baked potato, this is hardly surprising when cooking classes in schools are the exception rather than the norm. Fewer people are cooking a meal from scratch than they were doing sixty years ago when the first surveys were carried out. Cook and taste sessions and cookery classes for the adult population in Manchester are few and far between The population of this country has a rising level of obesity and with this comes a plethora of health problems, which include heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and back problems to name just a few. As much as 20% of the country's two year olds are listed as being clinically obese and this rises to 25% by the time they are sixteen. It has been muted that this will be as much as 40% by 2010 if current trends continue. Exercise on referral and dietary advice are aimed at remedying this but more efforts should be made to prevent this. Exercise and fresh food obtained from tending an allotment would go along way to achieving this. There has been an abundance of of research into the therapeutic value of horticulture for people suffering from mental illness and two projects by Loughborough and Dundee Universities have been evaluated. Dundee University are now carrying out research for the therapeutic value of horticulture for people with physical disabilities and it would be very interesting to read the results of this when they are available. Pathways to Manchester's allotments are varied but could be complimented by toilet facilities on all sites, improved security, a more structured marketing strategy and the introduction of a well marketed GP referral scheme. Funding would be required for a project coordinator, administration, plot rents, gardening equipment and tools and the buying in of the services of dietician's, physiotherapist's, horticultural therapist's and compost doctor. An Holistic approach to a GP referral scheme would include a horticultural therapist, and /or a physiotherapist, dietary advice, cookery training and advice on composting and organic gardening. It is proposed to set the scheme up with six plots on allotment sites or community gardens, two each in the three Primary
Care Trust area's of the City of Manchester. Each plot would be divided into four smaller plots, allowing access for twenty-four gardeners. Each participant would have an initial assessment by a dietician and physiotherapist and a personal work plan devised, this could then be monitored at regular intervals to ensure that the participant is getting the correct care and not exacerbating their health condition. A horticultural therapist would work with participants on a day to day bases and report to the steering group regularly. Cookery classes and recipe sheets would be a monthly activity to ensure that participants are aware of the uses of seasonal fruit and vegetables. Compost training and literature be given to participants at the outset of their therapy thus ensuring best horticultural practice.
1.
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Manchester's allotments are a green oasis with the potential to be used as green gyms for therapeutic horticulture. Gardening as a means of improving one's physical and mental well being is well documented. The growing of fresh fruit and vegetables on allotments provides the plot holder with the means for themselves and their families to meet their target of five a day portions as recommended by health professionals. Food miles are greatly reduced as most allotmenteers live only a short distance from their allotment site. In the main plotholders tend to garden organically, reducing the leaching of micro nutrients from the soil and the pollution of water courses. The plot provides fresh foods unadulterated by chemicals for the grower by limiting or omitting the usage of herbicides and pesticides. 1.2 Whilst exercise on referral schemes exist at present, allotments are an underused resource. Present schemes are far from inclusive, targeting only specific health problems and age groups. A well planned GP referral scheme or allotment on prescription would serve to redress this imbalance. The scheme would also go a long way to improving usage of allotments on derelict plots, a way of halting the trend of developers to move onto or buy up allotment land and building houses. 1.3 Allotments on Prescription or GP Referral Schemes have been advertised across the country in the past, however, there seems to be a lack of knowledge of these schemes ever existing. If requests are made there is very little information available about the success of these schemes or evaluation to assist further improvement. Preston, Nottingham, Stoke and Derby councils all promoted that they were operating this pathway to allotments several years ago and with the exception of Preston, none of these schemes are now operating. Bridewell Organic Gardens in Oxfordshire does run a PCT referral scheme for people suffering from mental health problems, although this is soon to be extended to include people with physical disabilities as well. 1.4 In this report we set out the aim of the project, describes the essential elements of the scheme and provide evidence of need for this scheme, and summarise the current activities that the scheme will build on and utilise, in order to ensure success this includes current pathways to allotmenteers, horticultural training projects currently operating in Manchester and food/nutrition and cookery courses
in Manchester.
2. SUMMARY OF SCHEME
Manchester allotments that will compliment current exercise on referral schemes thereby having a greater chance of success than similar
2.1 The scheme would aim to work with Primary Care Trusts (PCT's) and other organisations to introduce a GP referral scheme to
recruiting existing allotmenteers to act as buddies for new participants on a voluntary basis.
a programme of advertising and publicity to raise awareness of the scheme. Encouraging GP's to refer patients. Running practical courses in horticulture and cookery and healthy eating.
Improving peoples health and well being through horticultural therapy. Revitalisation of allotments through community engagement. Improving peoples diet through practical cooking and nutritional activities. Reduce the need for expensive medications.
Support participants in developing skills in horticulture and cooking. Provide an additional pathway to Manchester's allotments and regenerate some derelict under used plots. Provide the opportunity for people to make choices about their own well being.
4. EVIDENCE OF NEED
Horticultural therapy has been well researched and documented and government initiatives suggest implementation of such practices as a means, not only for treatment but also as a preventative measure. Many forms of horticultural therapy are practised in Manchester, these do though appear to be aimed at specific target groups related to age or mental health criteria. The fact that there is some evidence of Horticulture being used as therapy in Manchester suggests that it does work.
4.4 Publications
Sustain, the alliance for better food and farming, has produced a publication Hunger from the inside: The experience of food poverty in the UK, which has been evaluated for the purpose of this report.
therapy project at Dartford Road Allotments, Dartford, Kent for mental health patients
Quality Environment for Dartford (QED) Allotments and Mental Health wrote about a project that they operate an horticultural The Governments Cleaner, Safer Greener Campaign reports on the environmental impact on peoples lives and well being
4.1.3 Growing in the Community a good practice guide for the management of allotments:
Published in June 2001 by the DTLR, the Greater London Authority, The local Government Association and the Shell Better Britain Campaign, this was a direct result of the fifth report written by the Select Committee on Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs entitled The Future of Allotments. The Future for Allotments report states under Therapeutic Value that the potential role for allotments within the promotion of public health is significant. The committee strongly recommend that the allotment provision be explicitly noted in national public health strategy and be integrated into the local delivery of that strategy.The mental health benefits for all plot-holders should not be underestimated and in the section entitled General Public says allotments also offer benefits to the community at large. In many urban areas they make a welcome contribution to green space, acting as a green lung. Manchester's own Councillor Keith Whitmore was one of the authors of this report. On page 83 reference to GP's prescribing allotments as a treatment for stress are documented. The report also praises Nottingham Local Authority for working with Health Authorities to promote the benefits of allotment gardening.
recommends that Horticultural Therapy and Social and Therapeutic Horticulture need a higher profile with Social and Health Care Services at a National level.
The Department of Social Science at Loughborough University, along with the horticultural therapy charity Thrive, studied vulnerable adults working on 900 projects operated by Thrive across the the UK. Tasks involved included planting, cultivating, growing and nurturing and physical work such as digging and construction. Other skills used were marketing and sales. Dr Jo Aldridge, one of the main researchers noted that the projects not only improved the health and well being of clients but also helped to raise self esteem and develop social skills. She went on to add that this research shows gardening can no longer be treated as a trivial activity it is comparable to any other physical therapy.
garden work therapeutic in that it helps them cope with disruptive emotional and psychological states. Following this original pilot scheme, further funding has been raised for three more schemes. These schemes are a walled garden in Perth, a residential/conservation area in Edinburgh and a community garden in Hackney. The author, Dr Hester Parr, suggests that Healthy eating levels may be increased by gardening and that contact with both nature and people facilitate stabilising effects. She also
Green spaces can play an important role in delivering both physical and mental health benefits. Green space and public health practitioners should work together to provide safe and attractive opportunities for healthy activity....such as green gyms. Their simple presence provides a level of enjoyment and benefit.
Allotments and community gardens and farms can provide a range of healthy activities, as well as sustainable, local supplies of fresh food. They are valuable green spaces that can help improve people's quality of life by promoting healthy food, exercise and community interaction. As such, they make important contributions to sustainable development, community well-being, education, health promotion, leisure and recreation. They should therefore, be a key part of the local authority's green-space and community strategies. Some useful supporting evidence has been found in Government White Papers. An NHS paper shows a need for exercise as a cure for many illnesses, especially child obesity (National Statistics suggest that 40% of all 4 year olds are overweight, of which 8% are clinically obese and this is expected to rise to 25% by 2010 if current trends continue). It has been established that almost a quarter (23.6% men and 23.8% women) of the adult population is now clinically obese. Obesity has a major impact on health and a large number of
illnesses are encountered as a result of this. Only one of the drugs used for clinical weight loss (Cetilistat manufactured by Xenical) cost the NHS and thus the taxpayer nearly 147m last year.
4.4.3 QED
QED Allotments and Mental Health Dartford Road Allotments loaned one of their plots to the School of Supported Learning at North Kent College and is tailored to the users rather than fitting the users to the scheme. The plot is used by six people with learning difficulties, and mental health problems. Two teachers, with professional qualifications in special needs worked on the project. It has been assumed that the project has been a success because one student has since enrolled for a professional qualification in Horticulture and one (unsure if this is the same one?) has obtained a plot of his own.
5.2 Websites
Manchester's allotments are advertised on many websites either directly or by links of interest. Some allotment societies are now even producing their own web sites. Some of the more notable direct sites include:
The Association of Manchester Allotment Societies (AMAS) on www.amas.org.uk Manchester City Council on www.manchester.gov.uk/leisure/allotments National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Ltd on www.natsoc.demon.org.uk Environmental Network for Manchester (EN4M) on www.manchesterenvironment.net Ivy Green Road Allotment Society has produced its own web site: www.ivygreen.org.uk
PACE helps local communities meet exercise requirements in their everyday lives. One discipline that they focus on is gardening. PACE have an allotment plot on Scotland Hall Road in Newton Heath for their community groups. For more details contact James McInerney on jamesw.mcinerney@northpct.manchester.nwest.nhs.uk
5.6.2 ALFA
Central Manchester's exercise on referral scheme similar to that of PACE. For more details contact 0161 224 4673
South Manchester's exercise on referral scheme similar to that of PACE. For further details contact Simon Stagge on 0161 217 4130
5.8 Where are the allotments? Of the 39 sites in the City of Manchester, there are 10 sites in the North of the City.
1. Philips Park Mr W Booth 0161 223 8831 2. Scotland Hall Road Ms S Roberts 0161 226 3322 3. Broadhurst Park Mr M Horton 0161 681 7594 4. Crumpsall and Cheetham Mr D V Allen 0161 205 4679 5. Cypress Street Ms S Roberts 0161 226 3322
6. Bluestone Road Mr J Cartwright 0161 682 2890 7. Hazeldene Road Mr L Whalley 0161 681 9082 8. Crowden Road Mr J McIntyre 0161 683 5707 9. Frenchbarn Lane Mr P Convery 0161 740 1575 10. Edge Lane Mr M Cooney 0797 636 2725
1. Brighton Grove Mrs J Gill 0161 225 5357 0161 226 3322 3. Ossory Street Ms S Roberts 0161 226 3322 4.Aquarius Estate Ms S Roberts 0161 226 3322
5. Ryder Brow Ms S Roberts 0161 226 3322 0161 231 7056 7. Ackroyd Avenue Mr D Lilley 0161 370 3937
1.Woodhouse Park Mrs P Potts 0161 428 6079 2. Foxfield Road Ms S Roberts 0161 226 3322 3. Royal Oak and Baguley Mr R Gettings 0161 945 6046 4. Brooklands Ms S Roberts 0161 226 3322 5. Sharston Mrs M Small 0161 613 2623 6. Yew Tree (Northern Moor) Mr G Bird 0161 973 0306 7. Lamb Pitts Mr F Heatley 0161 998 0659 8. Bradley Fold Ms Natalie Marshall 0161 445 4872 9. Parrswood Lane Mr J Cookson 0161 224 0703 10. Ivy Green Ms S Cobbe 0161 861 8408 11. Cleveleys Avenue Jenny Howse 0161 861 0141
12. Hough End Ms S Roberts 0161 226 3322 13. Southern Mr M Oldham 0161 248 0293 14. Albermarle Miss J Philips 0161 445 4353 15. Alexander Road South Ms C Abbas 0161 881 2167 16. Bethnall Drive Ms S Roberts 0161 226 3322 17. Fallowfield Mr P woods 0161 445 9807 18. Wellington Road Ms A Mayor 0161 434 2955 19. Brailsford Road Ms S Roberts 0161 226 3322 20. Tonbridge Road Mr P Roberts 0161 224 5098 21. Levenshulme Ms V Comos 0161 225 4204 22. Scott Avenue Mr T Greenaway 0161 881 6430 or lettings Farida 0161 860 6061
Contact
James McInerney
Aims
The Physical and Community Exercise Team is a partnership initiative james.mcinerney@northp between North Manchester Primary Care Trust, Sports Action Zone and New ct.manchester.nwest.nhs. Deal for Communities. The aim of PACE is to promote increased levels of physical activity within the health wards of North and East Manchester. uk The PACE project focuses on offering community-based activities that will help the individual to carry out daily routines such as gardening, housework and walking. Readily available and safe venues such as community centres,church halls, social clubs, parks and allotments also help to ensure there are a wide range of activities. The PACE team offer a variety of community based activities that will help you increase your overall fitness. PACE operate an allotment on the Scotland Hall Road site in Newton Heath.
Cheetham Community Primary School Princes Park Irlam Garden Centre Cypress Street Tots plot MEEN Tom Broad Manager 0161 775 5889 Geraldine Wall
Gardening project with well established living willow structure as centrepiece for the orchard. Flower and vegetable beds. Two dedicated beds for cereal crops in 2005 Services to people with a disability helping them to gain experience and understanding of workplace discipline.
An allotment plot for the teaching about fruit and vegetables to the under geraldinew@bridge-5.org fives is currently being developed on the Cypress Street site in Harpurhey by Sure Start and MERCi and should be fully operational in 2006 0161 273 1736 Raicheal Lock meen@gn.apc.org Operate an allotment on Scotland Hall Road in Newton Heath for groups of school children. Pupils are taught about vegetables and the environment.
Provider
Booth Centre Manchester Cathedral Ridgeway Street Community Garden Manchester Leisure Sports Development Unit
Contact
0161 835 2499
Aims
Allotment plot on the Crumpsall and Cheetham site boasts a large greenhouse. The aim of the project is to help homeless alcoholics return to mainstream society. Gardening helps them to maintain their sobriety. Operated by the Manchester Environmental Resource Centre initiative (MERCi) a community garden that has recently been newly landscaped. Has a wildlife area and vegetable plot. The Sports Development Unit is currently operating two schemes on Manchester Allotments, on Cypress Street and Southern sites. Young offenders clear derelict plots in return for training in Sports Development Qualifications and the plots are then tended by the unit's over fifty age group health referrals. Participating schools include:
Val Cooper 0161 273 1736 Jim Canniffe 0161 232 3104
HDRA the organic organisation's schools club,Duchy Originals Garden Organic for Schools teaching organic gardening to school children based around a number of core curriculum area's.
All Souls' RC Primary Cannon Burrows C.E.P Clarendon Cottage Dukesgate Primary Moss Park Infants Oswald Road Primary St Edward's C E Primary Summerville County Primary
Allotment therapy for people with learning disabilities held at Frenchbarn Lane allotments in Blackley every Monday and Wednesday 12.30 3.30pm March to October. Grow flowers, herbs and vegetables. Also contains a sensory garden.
Provider
Manchester Learning Disability Partnership Manchester Learning Disability Partnership
Contact
Emma Clegge 0161 223 9901 Emma Clegge 0161 223 9901 or Crossacres Staff 0161 499 3375
Aims
Allotment therapy for people with learning disabilities held at Debdale Park allotments in Gorton every Thursday 10.00 2.00pm . Grow flowers, herbs and vegetables. Learn basic woodworking skills. Wednesday, day of gardening, labour and horticulture in Wythenshawe Park. 9.00 to 4.00pm
Friday, day of gardening, labour and horticulture in Wythenshawe Park. 9.00 to 4.00pm
Abraham Moss HS
Mr Kineston
Gardening projects based around planting of the school grounds. Large Greenhouse on site for pupils to raise bedding plants and support tender plants. Attached to the mental health unit at the hospital is a horticultural project where plants are grown for the hospital grounds and sale to patients and the general public. There are four large polytunnels for raising the plants. Clients are to embark on NVQ training in Horticulture commencing March 2006. Clients Participate in growing plants and vegetables, driving duties, woodwork and sales.
Info@hulmegardencentre A charity running horticultural training for members of the Hulme and Moss . org.uk Side areas. The ethos is to address deprivation and ill health. Main target groups are Communities facing multiple deprivation, elders, children, minority ethnic groups and those with mental health needs.
Provider
Hattersley Community garden
Contact
0161 342 6767
Aims
The gardens are used partly for growing vegetables and attractions include chickens and rabbits. There is also a recycling area. These gardens boast a picnic area and wildlife garden. Wheelchair friendly. A working allotment where people can learn about the benefits of growing their own food. Hosts school visits,picnic area and cafe. Allotments with orchard and living willow hedge, shed, greenhouse,picnic area and wildlife garden. Operate an allotment plot for education purposes. This facility is available to all
Safe Haven Community Garden 07787 377 999 Walnut Avenue Allotment Association Horticultural Training Centre Horwich Community Allotment Scott Avenue Allotments Chorlton 0161 797 1221
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
hospitality and catering industry Food hygiene and nutrition Communication Health & safety Food storage European and world cuisine Professional practical and theoretical cooking
Duration: 1 day a week for 36 weeks Location: Fielden Campus, West Didsbury Preparing and Serving Food, NVQ Level 1 (Powerhouse) 10.Dealing with customers 11.Maintain safe and secure working environment 12.Develop effective working relationships 13.Maintain hygiene in food storage, preparation and cooking Duration: 1 day a week for 1 year Location: Power House, Moss Side Diet and Nutrition Introduction Level 1 Duration: 10 weeks Location: Forum Futures, Wythenshawe Nutrition and Health, NCFE Certificate Duration: 1 week Location: Fielden Campus, West Didsbury Nutrition Foundation Certificate Duration: 1 hour for 10 weeks Location: Fielden Campus, West Didsbury
9. CONCLUSIONS
Wythenshawe where vacancies are higher and incomes lower than anywhere else in the city), more detailed information on the AMAS web site and more societies having their own dedicated web sites. Better advertising of exercise on referral schemes, introduction of GP referral scheme and tots plots will raise the profile and more societies should be encouraged to facilitate school visits, this is very important as the children are the potential plot holders of the future but the visits also raise awareness for the parents too.
knowledge of fresh produce, what it is or how to use it. Cook and taste sessions and/or cookery classes would ensure that the produce being grown on the allotment would be used and would become a part of the growers diet.