TY - JOUR
T1 - The value of an allotment group for refugees
AU - Bishop, Ruth
AU - Purcell, Elizabeth
PY - 2013/6
Y1 - 2013/6
N2 - Introduction: Refugees experience a number of difficulties when settling in the United Kingdom and may be faced with occupational injustice due to their restricted occupational engagement. This study explores the value of an allotment group for refugees of working age, aiming to explore the role of horticulture and the social environment on health, wellbeing and social inclusion.
Method: This was an exploratory study using qualitative methodology based on ethnographic principles. Data collection included observation of the group, semi-structured interviews with five participants, with four of these participants also taking part in photo-elicitation interviews. Data analysis involved using a 'framework' approach to produce three themes and associated sub-themes.
Findings: Analysis identified firstly gardening as a meaningful activity; secondly, the importance of the social environment and, lastly, the value of occupational engagement for refugees. Further theoretical analysis led to the conclusion that these themes linked to the dimensions of occupation: doing, being, belonging and becoming.
Conclusion: The findings identify how occupational engagement can have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of refugees, specifically with the use of social and therapeutic horticulture.
AB - Introduction: Refugees experience a number of difficulties when settling in the United Kingdom and may be faced with occupational injustice due to their restricted occupational engagement. This study explores the value of an allotment group for refugees of working age, aiming to explore the role of horticulture and the social environment on health, wellbeing and social inclusion.
Method: This was an exploratory study using qualitative methodology based on ethnographic principles. Data collection included observation of the group, semi-structured interviews with five participants, with four of these participants also taking part in photo-elicitation interviews. Data analysis involved using a 'framework' approach to produce three themes and associated sub-themes.
Findings: Analysis identified firstly gardening as a meaningful activity; secondly, the importance of the social environment and, lastly, the value of occupational engagement for refugees. Further theoretical analysis led to the conclusion that these themes linked to the dimensions of occupation: doing, being, belonging and becoming.
Conclusion: The findings identify how occupational engagement can have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of refugees, specifically with the use of social and therapeutic horticulture.
KW - horticultural therapy
KW - occupational justice
KW - social networks
U2 - 10.4276/030802213X13706169932824
DO - 10.4276/030802213X13706169932824
M3 - Article
VL - 76
SP - 264
EP - 269
JO - British Journal of Occupational Therapy
JF - British Journal of Occupational Therapy
SN - 0308-0226
IS - 6
ER -