DGS is underpinned by research in the US and Denmark gathered during a Churchill Fellowship. The programme has been developed based on many years experience of military service and training, with the knowledge and skills of dedicated horticultural therapists, academics and passionate community leaders. It has then been refined with veteran input.
The outcome is a bespoke nature-based therapy programme for Service Leavers and Veterans - a structured, but flexible client-centred intervention. The 10 week programme delivers a blend of practical horticultural skills combined with support for managing mental health and wellbeing through mindfulness, reflection and journaling. Each session works towards a combination of physical, cognitive, emotional and social outcomes.
Research and evaluation is ongoing and embedded at each garden and for every programme. This approach enables fidelity of delivery across the network.