BBC Children in Need

Froglife have some exciting news to share: Pudsey Bear still loves us!

Last week we found out that we have successfully secured a further three years of funding for our Peterborough Green Pathways project from BBC Children in Need.
This support means that we can continue to offer outdoor therapy to vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in the city. It will be the third time that we have run this project in Peterborough which shows that funders understand the importance and impact of the work we are doing.

In the current project, which finishes at the end of 2014, we have improved green spaces across Peterborough for wildlife and people by, for example, designing wildlife-themed murals, digging ponds, providing information boards, surveying for snakes and working in community gardens. All of these projects have been achieved by teenagers with extra difficulties in their lives. We also delivered fun sessions to those with limited access to the outdoors, doing things like climbing trees and building dens. Young people have improved their confidence, behaviour and social skills whilst learning about the natural environment, gaining new skills and having fun outdoors.

The new project has additional funding attached to it which means that as well as doing our usual projects and outdoor activities; we will also be able to take young people further afield to visit museums, universities and important wildlife sites. The new funding means we will be able to offer a traineeship to help someone take their first step into a career in the conservation sector.

Our Conservation Youth Worker for the current Green Pathways project, Rebecca Neal, said:
“I am so pleased that the work we do with young people can continue. Connecting people with nature has such a huge impact on wellbeing, yet so few organisations are out there working with the people who could benefit the most. I am looking forward to getting Peterborough’s young people out there feeling the dirt!”

Starting in the New Year we will be looking for referrals of young people aged 5-18 who can be considered vulnerable or disadvantaged in some way and who would benefit from getting outdoors and doing something practical. We can work with individuals, groups or families; through schools, youth groups or charities; during school time, after school or during the holidays. We always appreciate the help that volunteers can provide and need new green spaces to work in. Please get in touch if you think you can help.

To find out more about the Peterborough Green Pathways project you can visit www.froglife.org or contact the Green Pathways’ Conservation Youth Worker Rebecca Neal on rebecca.neal@froglife.org or 01733 602102. We would love to hear your thoughts on the new project on our Facebook page  or tweet us your comments @Froglifers.