Many men are hesitant to reach out for help, even after experiencing bereavement. Martlets Hospice noticed that only 23% of those attending social events and counselling were men, even though they identified many men who may need support.
Through the Earthworks pilot project conducted from 2018-2019, Martlets brought grieving men together to work on an allotment as a therapeutic outlet. The project aimed to:
Encourage men to engage with counselling services and reach out for bereavement help.
Build a safe space for men to come together and gain peer support.
Use gardening as a social and therapeutic activity for bereaved men.
The project gave weekly sessions facilitated by a trained counsellor and volunteer gardener. The sessions were open-ended and involved reflection through horticultural activities including planting, weeding, and site maintenance. The group also shared lunch with some of the produce harvested from the allotment.
Outcomes
The Earthworks project had seven regular members. The hospice used the Adult Attitude to Grief (AAG) monitoring forms to evaluate the impact of the therapy on the participants. The team observed improvement in resilience and control, as well as a reduction in vulnerability. Participants noted that the sense of fulfilment and camaraderie made the group meaningful to their mental health. The project helped them develop a positive attitude towards the future.
Martlets hosted a two-hour Earthworks workshop as part of Dying Matters week. The event used creative techniques to explore the metaphor of nature as a source of healing. Attendees enjoyed the event and Martlets was able to recruit volunteers for the allotment.
The pilot study demonstrated the therapeutic potential of horticultural activities as a bereavement tool. It built a positive environment of peer support for those less likely to access traditional services. Gardening gave space for individuals to share their feelings or contemplate complex feelings of grief.
Facilitators, challenges and advice
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Key Facilitators
Martlets Hospice worked closely with the Weald Allotment committee to secure a plot and develop a great working alliance.
Because men are less likely to reach out for support, achieving a high number of participants was difficult. The hospice overcame this by offering a range of times for individuals to visit the plot. They also gave taster sessions so participants could visit the allotment before committing to the group.
The open outdoor setting posed difficulties for maintaining confidentiality, as there were sometimes neighbouring groups in the vicinity. The confidentiality policy had to be adapted for the new therapeutic space.
The viability of the project depended on the weather. The hospice was able to minimise the impact by offering a warm indoor space in the winter and cover during hot days.
Tips and advice
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Gardening and horticulture are effective tools for therapeutic support. Offer unconventional activities with engaging elements so individuals feel more motivated to reach out for help. Consider time in nature as a key element of wellbeing.
Many men feel ashamed to reach out for support after experiencing bereavement. Spaces where individuals can collaborate and build connections can make therapy feel more natural.
Future development
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Martlets hospice aims to deliver the project to a wider population. Through their partnership with the Weald Allotment committee, the hospice is looking to expand the project to other allotments. The hospice is developing new policies, procedures, risk assessments and volunteer roles for the project.
