After the success of the Green Pathways project in Glasgow and Peterborough, we are delighted that we have been able to develop and introduce the Sussex Green Pathways project. Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, Green Pathways aims to involve young people aged 5 – 25 in outdoor conservation activities that improve our local outdoor spaces, making them increasingly wildlife friendly. Focusing on those who are considered vulnerable and disadvantaged, Green Pathways strives to ensure that throughout these sessions, young people not only become increasingly knowledgeable about UK wildlife and conservation issues, but most importantly gain confidence, channel their creativity and expand their social skills. We hope that by being involved in these sessions, we inspire many young people to continue on their very own green pathways as they move forward in life with a more eco-conscious and self assured way of thinking!
Who is eligible?
We deliver our sessions to young people up to the age of 25 who are eligible for the scheme if they are considered vulnerable or disadvantaged.
To enrol a young person onto the project, eligibility can include:
- Poverty & deprivation
- Be a young carer
- SEND, SEN or NEET
- Mental health difficulties
- Physical or learning difficulties
- Confidence & social issues
- Exclusion from mainstream education
- Identified as needing Additional Support for Learning
What’s on offer?
Young people take part in practical outdoor activities in local green spaces, involving themselves on a wildlife journey through regular sessions with our Learning Officer, and helping to shape the activities they take part in.
Long-term Projects
In 2021 we have piloted blocks of 10 week sessions (one session per week) with groups in Eastbourne and Lewes, comprised of young people not in mainstream education, and are trialling a shorter 6 week programme through West Sussex Mind near Worthing. We can tailor our offer and are trialling different formats, so please get in touch if you would like to discuss how we can help you get outdoors!
Activities may include:
- pond building
- creating bug hotels and hibernacula
- art and craft activities
- nature exploration challenges
- connection to nature and wellbeing activities
One-off sessions
We can deliver single sessions for holiday clubs, after-school sessions and other organisations that feel like their young people may benefit from a conservation-based activity session.
Schools
For schools in deprived areas in East and West Sussex, and for children experiencing difficulty as a result of Covid-19, we can visit and deliver interactive sessions within school grounds. These can be one-off or repeat sessions, and can be tailored to the needs of the school and young people.
Project Update
We are currently planning our January/February 2022 schedule. We are fully funded, which means sessions will be delivered at no cost to the participant/school, and we can even offer assistance with travel.
Quotes from staff, parents and young people who have attended Sussex Green Pathways sessions
‘It’s a great medium to learn more about the students I work with.’
‘My Daughter and I attended Sussex Green Pathways hosted by Chloe Dalglish. We have both found it hugely beneficial to our wellbeing, being outside in nature learning about it, and we are delighted to of made some new wonderful friends from it also.
Chloe is extremely knowledgeable, professional, understanding and friendly. She has worked with my special needs daughter wonderfully. It can sometimes be a challenge to get my daughter to groups and she requires a lot of amendments and care. Chloe demonstrated this perfectly and showed a comprehensive understanding of her needs.’
‘It has been a brilliant experience, I have really enjoyed it.’….’I found it interesting and fun.’…..’The sessions are fun and Chloe is lovely and it’s really nice to get outside and do something active.’
Contact connie.chapman@froglife.org for further information.
For information on Froglife’s other education projects, click here.