Defence Gardens Scheme CIC
The Defence Gardens Scheme (DGS) is a national network of gardens which host the delivery and evaluation of nature-based therapy for Armed Forces Service Leavers and Veterans and their Families.
Support Offered
The Defence Gardens Scheme (DGS) works in partnership with veterans’ charities, military units, community mental health service providers and gardening projects to develop, deliver and evaluate nature-based therapy.
The network is based on a ‘Hub and Spoke’ model of community-based mental health care. The Hub gardens deliver and evaluate the 10-week DGS Programme, also delivered within prison to Veterans within the Criminal Justice System. The Spoke gardens are part of a local community to ensure continuation of support.
To increase access and outreach DGS has developed one-day Cultivate and Connect Workshops and Wellbeing Walks, offering all members of the Armed Forces Community the opportunity to learn about and immerse themselves in nature.
