This project aimed to establish a Community Gardening Partnership between the University of Brighton's School of Applied Social Science and a community of older people living in the Orchards sheltered housing scheme in East Brighton. The project intended to increase participation in gardening activities and improve the quality of life, well-being and community interaction of older people.

Project Outline

Previous research suggests that when older people move into sheltered accommodation active involvement in gardening declines dramatically. Reasons include the cost of tools or plants, as well as other disadvantages that older people typically face, such as a disability or isolation from the local community. Moreover, inadequate design of communal gardens, lack of funds, and poor management may mitigate against resident involvement in gardening. The horticultural therapy movement has emphasised numerous social benefits if older people are given access to appropriate garden space and supported in their gardening activities; these include intellectual and sensory stimulation, self-esteem, independence, improvements in physical health and well being, and community interaction.

During the implementation of this project it became clear that an additional factor that needed to be considered was the actual introduction of the gardening as a sustainable activity. The growing together project which developed as a result of this initial project built on the lessons learned here.

A number of organisations were linked with this project: Anchor Staying Put; Help the Aged; Chichester Diocesan Housing Association; Age Concern. University of Brighton partners: Health and Social Policy Research Centre; Clinical Research Centre; School of Applied Social Science (SASS).

Project partners

Chichester Diocesan Housing Association (CDHA)

CDHA provides supported housing for 39 older people (55+) in housing need enabling them to live independent and healthy lives.

School of Applied Social Science, University of Brighton

The School of Applied Social Science is a centre for education and research in the fields of social and public policy; social science; social work; criminology; health promotion and sociology. Educational opportunities exist at a range of levels for people wishing to develop their careers within the applied social sciences.