Zahradou k duševní pohodě

As we stated in the project proposal, the aim of the project was to develop the topic of prevention and support in the area of burnout syndrome, in the broader context of mental health, cognitive ...

As we stated in the project proposal, the aim of the project was to develop the topic of prevention and support in the area of burnout syndrome, in the broader context of mental health, cognitive functions, and the possible consequences of having experienced COVID-19 or other stressful situations. We focused on the use of therapeutic approaches, particularly horticultural therapy, which represents an innovative and effective non-pharmacological method with potential for wide application in both treatment and prevention. In the project, we emphasized systematically describing the principles of horticultural therapy, developing the professional skills needed for its application, and creating functional models that can be transferred into practice for the widest possible range of target groups. A key element of the project was international collaboration — we drew on the experience of partners from Sweden, who have long-term practice in applying these approaches, and we also sought to transfer examples of good practice from other countries, particularly Italy and the USA. The project aimed to strengthen professional capacities in HT and support its recognition as a respected tool in our healthcare and social services.

During the project implementation, several activities were carried out to gather and disseminate newly acquired information to the project’s target group. a) Three in-person project meetings. These included not only partner meetings focused on addressing project outputs but also a wide range of other activities — visits to therapeutic gardens and organizations working with both horticultural therapy (HT) and burnout, mutual sharing of good and bad practices, consultations with professionals who use HT methods in their work, presentations of various projects focused on HT, and practical workshops. b) Panel discussions with strong participation at each partner location. In Sweden, where there were initial concerns about turnout, the success of the first panel discussion led to the immediate scheduling of an additional one — highlighting the relevance and urgency of the topic. c) An electronic Orgpad publication was created, both in English and in the partner organizations’ languages. Each partner also published an article informing about the topic of horticultural therapy and the project itself. d) Project management included planning activities, outputs, and timelines to ensure all project goals were met. The partners communica

Four specific outputs were developed: an electronic publication in Orgpad providing information on horticultural therapy, burnout syndrome, nature-based approaches, professional education, examples of good practice, resources, and a map of organizations involved in horticultural therapy or burnout. All parts of this publication were created specifically for the project. Creating the map of organizations was particularly challenging. The other three outputs were popular science articles mentioned in the previous chapter. We are gradually uploading these outputs and related information to the newly developed website of the Horticultural Therapy Association. The project partners in Italy and Sweden are also disseminating these outputs. We also consider it a significant result that we expanded the topic of horticultural therapy and its potential in treating mental (and other) illnesses; the project contributed to greater awareness of HT methods and techniques. Importantly, we reached not only the group of people with health and social disadvantages but also social service providers, authorities, and the general public. The project demonstrated what horticultural therapy can offer to caregivers and professionals in helping profession.