’Exploring Experiences of the Barn Project’ Version 1

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    ‘Exploring the Value of Engagement in the Barn Project: Lived Experiences of Individuals Residing in a Regional Forensic Learning Disability Hospital.’

  • IRAS ID

    138307

  • Contact name

    Karen Morris

  • Contact email

    karen.morris@cumbria.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Cumbria, Professor of Occupational Therapy and Research Coordinator

  • Research summary

    There is now an increasing body of evidence supporting the positive role of outdoor participation in human health, particularly in light of increasing sedentary lifestyles and growing health concerns. However, more research is reportedly required into horticultural and related therapies to gain wider acceptance of their use in health and social care. Furthermore, ensuring effective inclusion of vulnerable groups, such as individuals with learning disabilities, in social research is argued an important research consideration. As minimal research has been published looking specifically at the use of horticulture with residents within a forensic learning disability hospital, the proposed study aims to explore individuals’ lived experiences and values of a horticulture project (The Barn).

    The purpose is therefore to explore lived experiences of engaging in a horticulture project for individuals with learning disability who currently reside in a regional forensic hospital. Key factors will be to ensure the voice of these individuals is effectively captured and portrayed and exploring what motivates and engages them in these sessions.

    A small sample of 3 to 4 participants will be recruited from a horticulture project, ‘The Barn Project’, in operation as part of the Occupational Therapy programme at Calderstones hospital. All participants will be male as the project is currently only on offer to male service users. A small sample size has been chosen to honour the Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis methodology and ensure that the phenomenon of interest can be explored in sufficient depth.

    Participants will be required to take part in two interviews- a semi-structured interview and a photography supported interview. As such, prior to interview, participants will be asked to take pictures of interesting aspects of The Barn project to discuss. The first interview will last approximately 30 minutes, whilst the second will last approximately 20 minutes.

  • REC name

    North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    13/NW/0686

  • Date of REC Opinion

    5 Nov 2013

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion