Stroke survivors are being invited to join a free 12-week programme spearheaded by a garden therapy charity in Battersea Park.

Thrive, a garden therapy charity, has organised a Life after Stroke gardening programme tailored to fit with stroke survivors individual objectives and abilities.

The charity says structured gardening with a Thrive horticultural therapist can help stimulate cognitive development and memory, relax muscles as well as help participants have fun.

Fanny Vein, a Thrive horticultural therapist said: “Gardening is the tool Thrive uses to help people; you don’t need to be an expert or even have a huge interest in it, but it can have wonderful results.

“Being immersed in nature in the centre of London and seeing the signs of spring can have a powerful, uplifting effect on people.”

Gardening is a gentle exercise in the fresh air which can build up strength and stamina, improve balance and mobility and enable people to feel better physically and mentally.

The programme begins on Tuesday, April 24, lasting for 12 weeks with sessions between 10am and 3pm every Tuesday and will take place at Thrive’s main garden on East Carriage Drive in Battersea Park.

Attendees can be referred by a medical professional, a family member, friend or self-referred.

If you or someone you know is interested, please get in touch on 020 7720 2212 or email battersea@thrive.org.uk