The Green Team is a charity based in Edinburgh. In October 2023, The Green Team received a £2,500 organisational grant from Trefoil towards its Thrive project.

The project outcomes of Thrive were to have participants complete activities in exploration, conservation, nature connection, wilderness living skills and outdoor education.

The Thrive project had three main aims: to deliver an eight-week project of outdoors activities for a group of 14 to 17 year olds from Tynecastle High School; to support six vulnerable young people to feel safe to take part and participate regularly in school; and to support six vulnerable young people to achieve the project outcomes.

The young people supported by the project had mental health challenges including depression and anxiety. They were also coping with other additional support needs such as ADHD, hearing issues, cognitive issues, autism and being in foster care. Due to these needs, the young people were struggling at school and had poor or non–attendance.

"I like being outdoors. Being here helps me to feel calm"
Project Participant

Thrive activities took place in Capielaw Woods on the outskirts of Edinburgh. The group were involved in conservation tasks including the removal of invasive rhododendrons, path maintenance, brash clearance and tree planting. Participants learned new wilderness survival skills like fire-lighting, foraging, outdoor cooking and carving. They were also involved in nature connection activities, including making bird feeders and exploration of the woods.

Thanks to Thrive, all participants showed increased confidence, with a majority developing positive relationships and improved mental health and wellbeing.

"It helped me feel more confident…made me feel better about myself."
Project participant

If your organisation has a project which will support children and young people in Scotland with additional support needs, applications can be made using this link.