About Us
What is Social & Therapeutic Horticulture (STH)?
Social and therapeutic horticulture (STH) is the process of using plants and gardens to improve physical and mental health.
What's the story behind Serenity STH
Serenity was set up by Dr Satinder Sanghera,
Satinder became a doctor despite suffering a dense stroke at age 20 and with disability has gone on to have an extensive career in General Practice and clinical commissioning. A former GP Partner in Weardale for 18 years, in 2015 Satinder unfortunately stopped work due to ill health,. She returned to work as a GP in 2020 and now works mostly in Teesdale. She is also a Trustee for the national charity Different Strokes.
During her five years away from general practice she and husband Mike, set about major renovations to their property and gardens. In 2018 Satinder set up SerenitySTH..
Alongside husband Mike an expert in DIY, the couple installed a vegetable and cut flower area with raised beds, greenhouse, polytunnel, workshop for tea breaks and disabled ecotoilet. A keen gardener for 30 years, Satinder designed and executed further works on the garden which has since opened to the public under the National Garden Scheme. From here and with a dedicated team of volunteer therapists, Satinder initially ran horticultural therapy for adults with physical disability, long term health conditions and mental illness. Over the years we have also introduced tai chi, mindfulness and lifestyle medicine.
Our garden is peaceful and restorative and it provides a special place for rehabilitation and recovery. Having the opportunity to develop an understanding of Nature based therapies gives our visitors benefits that can last a lifetime.
Additional activities
We offer additional wellbeing activities including tai chi and mindfulness. Our yellow labrador Bonnie arrived as a young pup in 2019. Our visitors love her as she is gentle and provides endless amusement. We have had pigs and geese, and currently have hens, sheep and a few Spring lambs frolicking about.
Who is eligible to attend?
Adults with any health issue as long as you are mobile including over some uneven ground.
How can I apply?
Contact Satinder on 07789640421 or email info@serenitysth
When are the sessions?
Wednesday 5th and Wednesday 12th July from 9.30 to 12.30.
How much does it cost?
There is no fee to attend but you can make a voluntary donation towards light refreshments