The project aimed to achieve the improvement of wellbeing and social inclusion for vulnerable adults through contact with nature, using non-formal education in pilot projects (social permaculture gardens). This project aimed to bridge the knowledge gap to create permaculture training for people working with vulnerable adults (adult educators), as well as for vulnerable adults to increase their knowledge and competencies in using social permaculture and nature therapy for improvement of well-being and social resilience while taking care of the environment. The project aimed to achieve an increase of awareness in adult educators on the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues, and develop key competencies following the principles of permaculture. The objectives of the project were to increase the knowledge and expertise of these educators in social permaculture, to create permaculture gardens for marginalised adults to build their wellbeing and resilient communities. The development of self-paced, open, online tools and educational resources (manual and programme guide) achieved the implementation of gardens and other related work programs, including ongoing professional development and certification opportunities.
Environmental and social challenges are interconnected, requiring an intersectional lens to address them. Social PEAS project emerged from the need to combat social exclusion and environmental issues by using permaculture to foster resilient and sustainable communities. The project focused on supporting adult educators and vulnerable groups (including those with mental health issues, homeless, former substance users, people with disabilities, and the elderly) to build robust and inclusive social networks and connections through permaculture gardens. The project promoted local people-centered solutions to face future challenges like climate change, environmental sustainability, and food security, as highlighted in EU policies. The project addressed the need to enhance mental well-being, provide life skills in planning and co-design, and unite people from diverse backgrounds through the creation of community gardens. It used the core principles of permaculture (people care, planet care, and fair share) to achieve these goals. The project addressed the need for increased skills and capacity building of social workers and adult educators to create and maintain permaculture social gardens with vulnerable adults.