Nurturing mental health and well-being using ordinary farms

Purpose This practice piece aims to review an occupational therapy led pilot programme – social farming as intervention option in adult community mental health setting Ireland. It will also reflect on the practical implications of delivering natural surroundings based through COVID-19 pandemic and plans for future development such programmes services. Design/methodology/approach The Occupational Circumstances Assessment Interview Rating Scale (OCAIRS) was used measure participation (Forsyth, 2005). administered with participants’ pre post their 10-week programme. An internal questionnaire developed further capture both participant farmer experiences Findings Whilst improvements were noted a number OCAIRS domains, it difficult identify small changes over short period time. main domains change habits, roles, interests personal causation. success placements reflected questionnaire. has resulted securing funding five years. Originality/value would be beneficial consider other standardised assessments that assess quality life occupation placements. is programme, particularly those barriers transport. hoped this paper contribute growing knowledge meaningful therapeutic practice.