‘A natural antidepressant’: how working with the land is helping ex-prisoners

The article discusses a program called LandWorks in Devon, England, that helps ex-prisoners reintegrate into society by working with the land. The program has a remarkably low reoffending rate of just 5%, compared to the national average. The article highlights the restorative and therapeutic benefits of working with nature, with one participant describing the soil as a "natural antidepressant." The program allows participants to grow, cook, and sell their own produce, giving them a sense of purpose and accomplishment. The article emphasizes the program's holistic approach, which combines practical skills, mental health support, and community engagement to help ex-prisoners transition back into society successfully. The low reoffending rate suggests that this model could be an effective way to reduce recidivism and aid in the rehabilitation of former offenders.
Note: This is an AI-generated summary of the original article. For the full story, please visit the source link below.