Perennial, the charity for people working in, or retired from, the horticulture industry, has launched a free physiotherapy service available to people working in horticulture. Following a trial period, the service, delivered in partnership with community services healthcare provider Connect Health, will help to build better futures for people in horticulture and their families.
The biggest issue facing people in horticulture is back and joint pain (according to the Perennial Health & Wellbeing Survey 2021). In fact, 78% experienced aches and pains in the 6 weeks prior to completing the survey and 38% of people said they do not seek help when something is not right with their body. This issue is compounded further as 27% of people have worked whilst physically or mentally unfit in the last 12 months.
The charity is encouraging anyone in the sector experiencing aches and pains to contact the Perennial helpline where a referral to the free physiotherapy service can be arranged subject to qualifying criteria. By encouraging people to get help early, Perennial hopes to improve the physical wellbeing of those in the industry which can also impact other areas of life including the ability to work, and ultimately personal finances.
Once referred, the individual will receive a 30-minute initial consultation with a qualified physio. The physio will then create a treatment plan for that individual, which could be carried out online or through face-to-face appointments.
Musculoskeletal disorders are the second biggest cause of sickness days recorded, after coughs and cold according to the charity Versus Arthritis. As many as 1 in 4 people experience a muscular-skeletal condition. Perennial estimates 75,000 people in horticulture have or will develop a condition.
The team understands the devastating impact of bereavement, ill health, homelessness, redundancy, and family breakdown and appreciates that anyone can experience financial, mental, and physical health difficulties. Life’s challenges can be overwhelming, but Perennial is always on hand to provide guidance and support.
Perennial115 - 117 Kingston Road
Leatherhead
Surrey
KT22 7SU
T: 0800 093 8510
[email protected]
perennial.org.uk