The project aimed to spread the recognition and use of horticultural therapy in Hungary and Romania, to introduce a TH training and related education materials in these countries, while enriching existing TH curricula with e-learning content in Austria and in Italy. We planned trainings that enable healthcare, social and specialist education professionals with the necessary knowledge to introduce and apply horticultural therapy in their daily practice, thereby helping the effectiveness of their work. HT skills can also empower these professionals with a useful burnout prevention methodology. Farmers can introduce HT as a new function to their multifunctional farm. On the long run our project aimed to help addressing the barriers arising from physical and mental health issues, to foster the inclusion of disadvantaged people. The aim of the project was to create a 120-hour horticultural therapy training with related educational materials and e-learning content, by developing a curriculum, a handbook and e-learning content. Our goal was to create an innovative training that can be provided in the traditional way of contact teaching or in the form of a blended learning, with theoretical parts in e-learning format.
Nature-based Solutions contribute positively to the European Green Deal, by supporting a range of ecosystem services, such as Green Care services, including horticultural therapy (HT). HT is an effective and environmentally sustainable way for the complementary treatment of several illnesses. Health problems are affecting more and more people in Europe, creating a barrier for people to access work and study, and lead a fulfilling life. By addressing this problem, our project operated towards the inclusion of disadvantaged people. In addition to that, HT can provide burnout prevention for healthcare and social professionals. The potential of HT is more and more recognized in Europe, although there are differences between countries. In Austria and Italy HT is widely used, with several education possibilities. In Hungary the practice of HT had already started in several healthcare and social institutions, but there weren’t any specific HT trainings or handbooks available. In Romania even the concept of HT was scarcely known. A needs assessment survey conducted in Hungary and Romania showed a wide interest among healthcare and social professionals and institutions to learn about and introduce HT into their practice.