This fantastic article by Benjamin Bishop focuses on how nature-based activities can seriously help build communities, and in particular, aid patients suffering from mental illnesses. For example, it cites research done by Dr. Hester Parr that describes how asylum patients in the late 19th century were allowed re-entry into society through farming and other nature-based work.
"This article reports on literature associated with the use of horticulture and gardening for mental health recovery and embraces the use of these services to generate enduring and genuine community integration outcomes through professional-community relationships" (Bishop 2013).
It's a great read, and really encompasses some important facets of social-inclusion through nature and the environment. Also, Dr. Bishop has been working on a model of social integration through nature. Check out his LinkedIn for more info on his studies and research: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/benjamin-p-bishop-msw-lsw/63/65a/980
Keywords: mental health; integration; Nature, gardining, social and therapeutic horticulture; eco-therapy
Bishop, B. (2013). Nature for Mental Health and Social Inclusion. Disability Studies Quarterly, 33(1). Retrieved May 27, 2015, from http://dsq-sds.org/article/view/3430/3205
"This article reports on literature associated with the use of horticulture and gardening for mental health recovery and embraces the use of these services to generate enduring and genuine community integration outcomes through professional-community relationships" (Bishop 2013).
It's a great read, and really encompasses some important facets of social-inclusion through nature and the environment. Also, Dr. Bishop has been working on a model of social integration through nature. Check out his LinkedIn for more info on his studies and research: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/benjamin-p-bishop-msw-lsw/63/65a/980
Keywords: mental health; integration; Nature, gardining, social and therapeutic horticulture; eco-therapy
Bishop, B. (2013). Nature for Mental Health and Social Inclusion. Disability Studies Quarterly, 33(1). Retrieved May 27, 2015, from http://dsq-sds.org/article/view/3430/3205