Therapeutic Farming Small Grants Program – Announcement of Successful Projects

Recipients of the Therapeutic Farming Small Grants Program have been announced today.

This Program aims to test the ability of therapeutic farming as an early intervention and prevention initiative in the context of the Tasmanian mental health system.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, said that the Grants Program is a commitment under the Tasmanian Government’s significant $410 million mental health reform agenda.

“We want Tasmanians to be able to access innovative and diverse mental health services, because we know mental health treatment isn’t a one size fits all approach,” Minister Barnett said.

“Today I am pleased to announce that four organisations around the State will receive grants of $20,000 to run therapeutic farming pilot programs, with an additional $5,000 for a robust evaluation process.

“Live Well Tasmania in the North West will establish partnerships with local service providers and researchers and identify participants from local mental health services who will then engage with various horticulture and forestry practices on the community farm.

“The Northern Suburbs Community Centre in the North will engage TasTAFE students in a therapeutic farming program through their community garden, with access to mental health workers and embedding self-care practices.

“The Hobart Clinic in the South will provide farming activities to inpatients and day patients who access the Hobart Clinic’s services.

“The West Winds Community Centre in the South will partner with the Five Bob Farm to integrate therapeutic farming practices into existing mental health programs at the Centre.

“I look forward to seeing the outcomes of these pilot programs as we continue to deliver our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.”

Robin Krabbe, Project Coordinator for Live Well Tasmania, said the organisation are very excited to have received a grant for their therapeutic farming project.

“We think this is a great opportunity to build capacity within the mental health system using an innovative and effective way to improve mental health, and to build partnerships based on a common vision of better mental health for all,” Ms Krabbe said.