Gothenburg Botanical Garden
Institution Code: GB
BGCI Member: Yes
Main Address:
Gothenburg Botanical Garden
Carl Skottsbergs Gata 22 A
Göteborg
S-413 19 Sweden
Telephone: +46 (0)31 741 11 11
Fax: +46 (0)31 741 11 19
URL: www.gotbot.se
Primary Email: botaniska.tradgarden@vgregion.se
Green Rehab
Green Rehab is a nature-based rehabilitation programme for workers suffering from stress-related illness or mild depression in Sweden's Västra Götaland Region.
Its main aims are:
- Rehabilitation for those suffering from depression or stress
- New beginnings for workers
- Enhanced wellbeing
Working in the Rehab Garden.
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ABOUT
The programme offers a new beginning for employees on long-term sick leave, by combining traditional occupational, physio- and psychotherapy with recent research insights into how gardens and nature can aid recovery from illness. The goal is that a participant who completes the programme will go back to work again and achieve a better quality of life.
The regional County Council of Västra Götaland works in partnership with Gothenburg Botanical Garden to offer Green Rehab to 55-60 of its employees annually, as part of their employee healthcare benefits.
The courses combine lectures and support groups with outdoor practical exercises. Participants sow and harvest in the botanic garden and take guided walks together in the surrounding forest. During the winter, activities include tree pruning and creative handicrafts. Additional focus is placed on body awareness, stress management and art therapy.
IMPACT
Since its beginnings in 2006, Green Rehab has provided rehabilitation to over 400 people. Green Rehab's success has sparked similar projects in other areas, with visitors from neighbouring countries coming to Gothenburg for inspiration.
Evaluation of the first three years has highlighted an impressive success rate, with 80% of participants returning to work or study. Before the project participants had been on sick leave for an average 1-2 years.
Participant progress is continuously monitored, with the impact of nature and gardening in the rehabilitation process becoming the topic of a PhD project.
Working with seedlings.
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PRACTITIONERS & SPONSORS
Eva-Lena Larsson, Director of Public Activities, Gothenburg Botanical Garden, eva-lena.larsson@vgregion.se
Gothenburg Botanical Garden
Region Västra Götaland