I currently work on a freelance basis as a social and therapeutic horticulturist and as a caring service co-ordinator for a charity. The topic of my Fellowship is unpaid carer mental health and wellbeing, with a focus on those that cannot leave their cared for. I will use a social and therapeutic horticulture approach, based on a group befriending model.

As a former carer who works with current carers, I see the impact this can have on their mental health and wellbeing. This area is often neglected in favour of the health and wellbeing of those being cared for. Part of my role in caring services is managing a befriending project specifically for unpaid carers, so I regularly gain feedback on the benefits this can bring in terms of loneliness and isolation. I also work in social and therapeutic horticulture and see how this improves the lives of participants. I am passionate about using my love of nature to support the health and wellbeing of others.

Through my Fellowship I hope to improve not just knowledge of carer mental health and wellbeing, alongside the recognition of social and therapeutic horticulture, but how together they can bring about positive and lasting changes.