HealtH Matters 71
Green FinGers
GARDEN PROJECT
SUPPORTS CANCER PATIENTS
The challenge of engaging male cancer patients in psychosocial
opportunity gave them the chance to divert
support services has been addressed by a group in Wicklow who
their attention from their illness and allow
them to meet people and get some exercise,
established a project focused on providing the services through
get outdoors and engage with nature.
the social setting of a garden allotment. Dr Paul D’Alton, Clinical
the men reported that the benefits
Psychologist at St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin outlines how
associated with participating included social
support received from the group, the benefits
the project worked.
of gardening activity, education mindfulness,
relaxation and exercise. these benefits
were reported as being a source of hope,
and allowed the men to focus on living with
C
lear evidence in the local area In order to determine the effectiveness cancer as opposed to dying from cancer.
suggested that a large number of local of the project, the men participated in the project was initiated in 2008 by
men living with cancer were not engaging an evaluation process which involved the Bray Cancer Support Centre, Dr
in support services compared to women. interviews focusing on three main themes: Paul D’alton, Clinical Psychologist at st
the evidence also indicated that while men • Challenges of living with cancer Vincent’s University Hospital and Feinste
were not participating in formal meetings, • Goals when deciding to attend, prior to lente, in collaboration with the Hse.
they were participating in organised activity project the project is premised on studies
type fundraisers. • Benefits of participating in the project which suggest that social and psychological
the allotment project simply involved support lead to improvements in mental
the men coming together in a neutral the evaluation process found that a health, less psychological distress and
environment to plan, plant, maintain and majority of the participants reported ‘feeling even prolonged survival.
harvest a vegetable allotment (garden). useless/impacting negatively on those For further information on this project,
ten men, living with lung, melanoma, around’ as the main problem associated please contact either Dr Paul D’alton,
adenocarcinoma and pancreatic cancer with the illness, while a small number senior Clinical Psychologist on email
alton@svuh.ie or contact Yvonne
the project, which involved meeting once isolated by the illness. Durac, senior Project Office, Cancer &
a week at the allotment, donated by local Most of the participants said the Palliative Care at (01) 274 4228.
charity Feinste lente.
the team and 10 participants met for
an informal chat and catch-up over a cup
of tea or coffee. this was followed by a
brief mindfulness exercise led by one of
the group facilitators before heading into
the garden. the activities in the garden
were carried out under the direction of
horticulturalists. the men spent up to two
hours engaged in various activities, from
seed sewing to harvesting.
this framework was flexible and organic
to allow men of all degrees of ability, or with
varying energy levels to participate in some
way, as suited their needs. the men were
free to take a break at any point during the
morning, and the day typically ended with
another informal group discussion. During
the initial weeks, a physiotherapist attended + Participants in the allotment Project enjoy a glass of elderberry Champagne with project leaders Paul D’alton,
to assess the men before they engaged in
St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin; Yvonne Durac, HSE Cancer & Palliative Care, Bray; Brendan and Veronica
physical work.
O’Leary, Bray Cancer Support Centre and staff from Feinste Lente during an Open Day.
HM Iss6.1 p71-128.indd 71 12/03/2010 15:24:18
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