| Abstract/Notes |
Inspired by a chiropractor and conceived initially as the Teen Summit, the Green Hub Project for Teens is a local community project that focuses on the improvement of teenagers’ (13-18 year olds) mental health. It resides in Milford, Surrey, UK, in a tranquil, walled garden, designed to support the wellbeing of teenagers’ mental health by providing a safe and welcoming environment in which they can engage in social and therapeutic horticulture. In partnership with the NHS (National Health Services), the Green Hub Project has been designed to provide a resource for local healthcare providers to refer emotionally challenged teenagers to enjoy nature while gardening alongside and interacting with skilled volunteers and others of their own age. The design of the project was to achieve positive, measurable goals and outcomes for teens’ mental wellbeing including encouraging self-acceptance, active lifestyles, positive social interaction, inclusion and respect for diversity, and the development and application of a range of learned life skills (teamwork, responsibility, planning and follow through, creativity, problem solving, affirming and supporting others and conflict resolution).
Author keywords: Horticulture therapy, Adolescent Mental Health, Teen Summit, Green Hub Project for Teens, Pediatric Chiropractic
Author affiliations: TTH: Private chiropractic practice, Godalming, Surrey, United Kingdom; BH: Surrey University, Surrey, United Kingdom;
SV: Private practice, South Windsor, Connecticut, United States; LM: Private practice, Hindhead, Surrey, United Kingdom
Corresponding authors: Tone Tellefsen Hughes—tone@lucksyardclinic.com; Birgitta Habersleben—b.gatersleben@surrey.ac.uk
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