Promoting Mental Health Through Agricultural and Rural Resources
20 Participants... 20 Sessions Until September
Gokseong County will operate a healing program from the 3rd of next month at the Agricultural Technology Center demonstration field, targeting patients with dementia and depression. The program uses agricultural and rural resources to maintain, promote, and restore mental and physical health. Provided by Gokseong County
Gokseong County in Jeollanam-do (Governor Cho Sangrae) announced on the 31st that it will launch a therapeutic program for dementia and depression patients at the Agricultural Technology Center's demonstration field starting from the 3rd of next month.
This program, to be held 20 times until September, is aimed at improving the mental and physical health of 20 patients registered with the Gokseong County Dementia Relief Center and the Mental Health Welfare Center. The Gokseong County Agricultural Technology Center will fully support the program by covering all instructor fees and material costs.
Therapeutic agriculture refers to all agricultural activities that use agricultural and rural resources to maintain, promote, and restore the mental and physical health of the public. The program will be customized by Im Geumok, a therapeutic agriculture specialist, and Jeong Hyeongbok, a horticultural therapist.
The program focuses on enhancing participants' physical vitality and emotional stability through a variety of healing activities, including vegetable gardening such as planting, tending, and harvesting seeds, horticultural therapy such as making terrariums and dish gardens, and pottery experiences using a potter's wheel.
Plant cultivation and horticultural therapy using vegetable gardens are expected to provide practical help in relieving stress and depression and in preventing dementia through physical activities in nature.
Seo Yeonnam, head of the Gokseong County Agricultural Technology Center, said, "I hope this healing program will provide a time of healing and emotional stability for dementia and depression patients," and added, "We will continue to work to create an environment where socially marginalized groups can live together in harmony within the local community."
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