'Supported gardening in later life' will for the first time bring together landscape designers and horticulturists, with gerontologists and researchers, and top representatives from government, charity, housing and care homes.

Further research has shown that most older people give up gardening when they move into supported accommodation. David Foster, Chief Executive of Thrive, is hoping that Forum will raise awareness of these people's gardening needs.

"For many years Thrive has been providing advice and support to older and disabled gardeners," said David.

"We are very interested in the whole subject of helping older people to carry on gardening as we know it can be an important factor in their health and wellbeing."

He concluded, "The ideas that come out of this unique forum will help to make sure that older people can continue to benefit from gardening, whatever their circumstances."

Mark Bhatti will also be presenting at the Forum. Dr Bhatti is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Brighton, has been researching gardens and gardening for many years.

"Gardening in later life has not been systematically or extensively researched in the UK, and there are significant gaps in our knowledge," he said.

"Key questions remain to be answered, such as how gardening can help to improve an older persons 'quality of life'. This Forum will help to initiate new research, and come up with sustainable solutions to the problems facing older people who wish to carry on gardening."

'Supported gardening in later life' is sponsored by English Courtyard.
 

• Thrive is the national horticultural charity that uses gardening to
  improve the lives of disabled, disadvantaged and older people.

• Speakers at the Forum will be Tim Spurgeon, Head of Advisory
  Services, Thrive; Judy Peaker, Director, Willow Housing; Christopher
  Thornhill, Managing Director, English Courtyard; Mark Bhatti, Senior
  Lecturer in Sociology, University of Brighton (Health and Policy Research
  Centre); and Alison Ryan, Chief Executive of the Princess Royal Trust for
  Carers.

• For more information contact Elizabeth Hayden or Tim Spurgeon at
  Thrive National Office on 0118 988 5688, fax 0118 988 5677, e-mail
  elizabethh@thrive.org.uk, website http://www.thrive.org.uk/

• Pictures and jpgs of Thrive's work with older people are available
  on request.

 
Charity no: 277570
Company no: 1415700
 

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