Grow

Grow Gardeners is a work-based learning programme for 16-24 year olds facing barriers to employment. Young people work with them part time for 16 weeks, and earn the real living wage.

Recognising the correlation between wellbeing, isolation, limited opportunities, and the risk of exposure to violence, their programme provides positive activities that empower young people to improve their life prospects. They combine coaching, skills training, and nature-based work experience to help young people to improve their mental health and secure work or training opportunities.

They aim to achieve the following outcomes through the programme:

• 80% securing further education, employment or training (EET)
• 15% increase in wellbeing
• 15% increase in social connection

They utilise therapeutic coaching to respond to each young person’s specific needs, helping them to forge paths based on their own goals and ambitions. In doing so, they seek to equip young people with the skills, experience, and confidence needed to build resilient livelihoods that divert them from violence long term.