We are so proud to launch these brilliant guides which Jane has developed and we hope you will share them as far as you can. Please see our press release below:

HighGround launches Adaptive Gardening Guides.

HighGround is proud to announce the launch of our Adaptive Gardening Guides written by Jane Taylor HighGround’s Horticultural Therapist at Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Stanford Hall.

“Horticultural Therapy as a rehab intervention is important because it benefits patients in their recovery in so many different ways.  Not only as part of their physical rehab but supporting mental health and wellbeing, developing cognitive skills, leisure interests and vocational opportunities. I hope the Adaptive Gardening Guides will provide additional support to enable our patients to continue their engagement in Horticulture.”

Jane Taylor, Horticultural Therapist. DMRC Stanford Hall.

HighGround delivers the Horticultural Therapy service for injured members of HM armed forces at DMRC Stanford Hall. This is considered to be an important part of patient care and is greatly valued by patients and staff alike.

HighGround’s sessions help in many different ways to get patients back on their feet – figuratively and literally. The weekly sessions help to: improve standing tolerance and endurance; increase fine motor skills and cognitive processing; improve confidence and self-esteem; encourage social interaction and promote transferable skills. Being outdoors in the fresh air away from the clinical side of rehab in a safe, peaceful environment, taking part in meaningful activity improves mindfulness and is very calming.

DMRC Stanford Hall treats 3 patient groups – Neuro (head injuries), Complex Trauma (amputees) and Force Generation (joints and spines). Horticultural Therapy is used by the referring Occupational Therapists as a rehab intervention across all the patient groups, all year round.

“The benefits of land-based activities and of Horticulture cannot be underestimated within rehabilitation. HighGround provides an opportunity for patients to get ‘stuck in’ and bring themselves back to nature all whilst improving both physical and mental wellbeing. Their work is truly amazing and I look forward to using their new Adaptive Gardening Guides.”

Maisy Provan, Specialist Physiotherapist, Veterans Rehabilitation Project
Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust (VCHA Host)

About the Charity

HighGround is a registered charity started in 2013 by Anna Baker Cresswell.

About to enter our 9th year of operation, HighGround is a lean and ambitious charity and very proud that 87 pence of every £1 raised is spent on service delivery.

Our Mission is To improve the wellbeing and employment prospects of serving personnel and veterans using the green environment and our Values are:

Ambitious, Authentic, Inclusive, Practical and Loyal.

We are led by our Chairman Air Cdre (r’td) Ian Elliott OBE BSc FRIN and are fortunate to have committed volunteers on the Board of Trustees, Development Board and the nascent Friends of HighGround network.

We don’t receive any statutory funding and rely entirely on grant-making trusts and foundations, public donation, and corporate support to enable us to continue our work helping those who have served their Country.

For further information or images please contact anna@highground-uk.org  Tel: 07951 495272