The natural environment: Working therapeutically within the context of a market garden social enterprise

Working therapeutically within the context of a market garden social enterprise. Introduction/background Grow2grow is a therapeutic social enterprise which manages a market garden on an Organic farm. This unique setting provides vulnerable young people with individual support in order that they can set goals and participate in all aspects of running the enterprise. The MDT uses existing clinical and professional experience alongside a Psychodynamic Model (http://www.life-work.co.uk/about-2/model ). This aims to address social dysfunction and withdrawal commonly experienced by people with psychosis. Methods/Impact on service users. The aim of this presentation is to explore and share the experience of working as an OT within a social enterprise using a psychodynamic theoretical framework. Service users will produce learning materials which demonstrate their experience and explainhow the model is used to support them engaging in and sustaining involvement in meaningful activity. Results/conclusions Benefits and potential pitfalls to provision of Occupational Therapy within this type of setting will be explored from therapist and service user perspective. Implications for Occupational Therapy The presentation aims to stimulate debate amongst Occupational Therapists about use of this type of setting and model to address client's needs: Issues for discussion could include: -How the enterprise can be used as a tool for provision of continuous meaningful activity and how to manage a balance between this and client's individual needs and goals. - Using a psychodynamic theoretical model to explore and practically address issues associated with volition with clients.