A LOCAL charity is using gardening to help people stay fit in lockdown – but it’s all taking place online.
Berkshire charity Thrive is supporting people with disabilities on how to use gardening and nature to stay healthy this winter.
Pre-pandemic, it supported more than 80 gardeners with learning disabilities, autism, and long-term health conditions through its horticultural therapy sessions.
Now, Thrive has turned to the internet to deliver classes to clients at home.
Through step-by-step guides from therapists, the charity is keeping people engaged with bulb planting, sweet pea sowing, and sensory walks.
“It’s proving an effective way to help client gardeners experience the mental and physical health benefits of gardening while at home,” Kathryn Rossiter, Thrive CEO, explained.
“We hope it will prevent people from feeling isolated and cut-off by providing a digital connection while they can’t attend in person.”
She said the feedback has all been positive so far.