Green Care Farms, A Safe Community Between Illness or Addiction and the Wider Society

Abstract

This paper presents the results of focus group interviews with 42 people with a psychiatric or addiction history who work in eight different green care farms in the Netherlands. Undertaking farming activities helps participants feel useful and healthier and they develop more self-esteem, self-respect and responsibility. Working on a green care farm can contribute more structure and discipline to the lives of participants, which can create the foundation for new activities or (voluntary) work elsewhere.