The Therapeutic Farming Program is a collaborative pilot project developed by West Winds Community Centre and Five Bob Farm, with support from Wellways and the Tasmanian Department of Health’s Mental Health, Alcohol, and Drug Directorate.
This innovative initiative harnesses the healing power of nature to provide mental health support in rural communities.
Our program is designed to explore how farming, gardening, and connecting with the land can foster well-being, encourage social connection, and create meaningful experiences.
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Key Features
• Research Report: A comprehensive exploration of therapeutic farming initiatives across Australia to identify best practices.
• Community Engagement: Public consultations to ensure the program meets local needs.
• Implementation Plan: Development of a roadmap for creating a sustainable and impactful therapeutic farming initiative.
• Partnerships: Collaboration with community organisations, volunteers, and local experts to strengthen outcomes.
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Our Vision
We aim to bridge the gap in regional mental health support by creating a space where individuals can reconnect with nature, find purpose, and experience holistic healing.
This program champions inclusivity, sustainability, and community well-being, offering innovative approaches to mental health care through green care, ecotherapy and hands-on farming activities.
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Cultivating Well-Being
A Review of Therapeutic Farming in Australia
Prepared by Teresa Hinton in partnership with West Winds Community Centre and Five Bob Farm.
Conducted in September and October 2024, this report explores the emerging field of therapeutic farming in Australia and its potential to enhance mental health care, particularly in rural and regional communities. Drawing on both international models and local case studies, it highlights the benefits, challenges, and future opportunities for integrating therapeutic farming into Australia’s mental health support landscape.
Research Report
It focuses on the feasibility of implementing a therapeutic farming pilot program in Tasmania, supported by the Tasmanian Department of Health. Download PDF >> Cultivating Well-Being: A Review of Therapeutic Farming in Australia
The report covers:
1. Introduction and Objectives
Explores the integration of farming with mental health support, emphasising the unique potential of rural and agricultural environments to promote well-being.
2. Therapeutic Farming Models
Defines therapeutic farming, its benefits, and dis-tinctions between care and social farming. It details current initiatives in Australia and lessons learned from established models abroad in the Netherlands, UK, and Ireland.
3. Evidence Base
Summarises the existing research on the efficacy of nature-based interventions, highlighting the benefits of purposeful work, social connection, and being outdoors for individuals with mental health issues.
4. Case Profiles
Profiles of Australian therapeutic farms illustrate diverse approaches, funding models, and the integration of care with agricultural activity.
5. Future Direction
Outlines challenges such as the need for formalised networks, accreditation, sustainable funding models, and partnerships to legitimise and expand therapeutic farming in Australia.
The report is an insightful synthesis of global and local experiences in therapeutic farming, advocating for its broader adoption as a complementary mental health support model in Australia.
Key Findings
1. Therapeutic Farming Benefits
– Promotes mental well-being through purposeful work, social interaction, and connection with nature.
– Provides non-clinical, community-based support, fostering self-esteem, confidence, and resilience.
– Effective for diverse groups, including those with mental health conditions, neurodiversity, and social isolation.
2. Evidence and Global Models
– Established internationally, particularly in the Netherlands and UK, with proven success in supporting mental health.
– Australian models show potential but remain underdeveloped due to a lack of formal networks and funding.
– International evidence highlights the need for structured programs and measurable outcomes to ensure effectiveness.
3. Current Challenges in Australia
– Limited awareness, fragmented initiatives, and absence of a national coordinating body.
– Regulatory, insurance, and funding barriers, particularly regarding NDIS and Medicare integration.
– Difficulty in securing sustainable funding and trained staff, especially in rural areas.
Lessons Learned
1. Key Ingredients for Success
– Meaningful, purposeful work tailored to individual needs and abilities.
– Strong partnerships between farmers, mental health providers, and community organizations.
– Consistent, structured programs with clear therapeutic goals and measurable outcomes.
2. Sustainability and Governance
– A diverse funding mix, including grants, personal budgets, and revenue from farm-related activities, is essential.
– Governance requires clear leadership, strategic planning, and robust evaluation frameworks.
Recommendations
1. Establish a National Network
– Create a peak body to provide accreditation, training, and best practice guidelines.
– Develop a centralized platform for information sharing and collaboration among therapeutic farms.
2. Policy and Funding Support
– Advocate for policy inclusion of therapeutic farming in mental health and agricultural strategies.
– Expand funding options, including government grants, social prescribing models, and philanthropic partnerships.
3. Evaluation and Research
– Conduct independent evaluations to measure long-term impacts and cost-effectiveness.
– Collaborate with academic institutions to build a robust evidence base supporting therapeutic farming’s efficacy.
4. Capacity Building and Training
– Invest in training for staff and volunteers, focusing on trauma-informed care and therapeutic practices.
– Support knowledge-sharing between established and emerging thera-peutic farms.
This report underscores the transformative potential of therapeutic farming in Austral-ia’s mental health landscape. With strategic investment and collaboration, it can offer a sustainable, community-based alternative to traditional mental health care, addressing critical service gaps while fostering resilience and well-being.
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Get Involved
We’re interested to hear from community members, organisations, and volunteers to join us in shaping this exciting initiative. Whether you’d like to share your expertise, lend a helping hand, or simply learn more, we’d love to hear from you!
📧 Email us at: cacpo@westwinds.org.au
📞 Call us at: (03) 6267 4713
Together, we can cultivate a healthier,
more connected community.
See more about the pilot program sessions >>
Cultivating Well-Being is a Therapeutic Farming pilot program funded by the Tasmanian Department of Health and operated by West Winds Community Centre in partnership with Five Bob Farm and Wellways.