The Municipality of Hoorn has awarded Stichting Little Dutch Farm a grant to launch a unique pilot: free garden therapy for people who are struggling. People who are balancing on the edge of burnout, where early intervention can make all the difference.
What does garden therapy do?
The evidence is compelling. Within 20 minutes in nature, cortisol levels measurably decrease. Hands in the soil stimulate the production of serotonin. The parasympathetic nervous system takes over, blood pressure drops, and the mind grows quieter. In the United Kingdom, doctors and psychologists are already prescribing nature as a treatment for stress, anxiety and depression — not as a supplement, but as medicine.
With this pilot, Little Dutch Farm wants to demonstrate that nature deserves a place in the Dutch healthcare system too. In collaboration with Prof. Dr. Jolanda Maas of VU Amsterdam, research coordinator of De Groene GGZ and one of the leading researchers in the field of nature and health in the Netherlands, we are building the scientific foundation this field deserves.
A call to Hoorn business owners and employees
Do you have employees who have been struggling to keep their heads above water for a while? Who are calling in sick more often, seem less engaged, or have already indicated that things aren’t going well? Or maybe you yourself are suffering from stress and overwhelm.
Early intervention pays off. For the employee, and for your organisation.
Thanks to the grant from the Municipality of Hoorn, participation is completely free of charge. The programme runs for 6 weeks, guided by nature coach Kim Taylor at Little Dutch Farm in Wijdenes. Get in touch to discuss whether this pilot is a good fit at kim@littledutchfarm.nl
With this grant, the Municipality of Hoorn shows what it truly means to take prevention seriously. We are proud to build this together.
