Beyond the pilot: The need for Grow in North Sheffield
Now that the pilot of our programmes at the High Green Development Trust has successfully concluded it’s a good time to reflect, evaluate the impact and plan for the future.
The initiative has definitively proven the viability of running a satellite service, demonstrating its immediate and positive impact on the young people of the area. This cohort of trainees were exceptional – incredibly resilient, consistently hardworking, and they championed each other every step of the way.
Collectively, the project proved a resounding success on multiple fronts:
Trainee impact: The pilot generated positive impact for our trainees with survey results indicating average improvements of 21.59% for wellbeing and 27.35% in social connection.
One trainee noted:
“I would say I have achieved a lot on the programme, from learning more and also one main thing which is to make some friends.”
Green space transformation: Our trainees completely transformed an on-site green space for the High Green community to enjoy. The area was previously abandoned and overgrown, providing the perfect canvas for the trainees to get stuck in. They tackled everything from clearing an old pergoda structure to mowing, planting, and even building new raised beds through woodworking.
New partnerships: The pilot led to new work placement partnerships with local employers including National Trust’s Wentworth Castle Gardens and Polycarp’s Church. Both provided valuable paid experience for our trainees.
A key lesson from this pilot is that moving our programme to the trainees helps overcome significant barriers. For many in the pilot cohort, getting to our central Manor Park hub would have required traveling on two buses. By bringing Grow to High Green, we were able to serve a different demographic and better support young people where they live.
The success of this pilot confirms the demand and the need for sustained support in North Sheffield. Our ambition is to turn the High Green offer into a permanent hub, enabling us to continuously reach and empower young people in this area. These young people all have huge potential, and the on-the-job skills they’ve gained in landscaping and gardening make them an asset to any team.
If funding allows us to run our programmes at High Green in 2026, we have big plans, including transforming the compost area to further develop the site!
Our thanks
A huge thank you goes to Community Youth Service and the Youth Hub at Sheffield Wednesday FC for offering crucial referrals to our pilot cohort. Our deepest appreciation goes out to Lauren, Helen, and the wider team at High Green Development Trust for partnering with us and offering their space, on-site support and valuable networking opportunities.
A special thanks to our dedicated volunteers who brought their expertise. Ben for his gardening knowledge, and Chris and Pimpa for their essential support with trainee coaching.
Finally, a massive thank you to the entire Grow team for ensuring the pilot ran smoothly. Their effort in managing logistics and successfully delivering our programmes in a brand new location while maintaining our core values was truly outstanding.
Help us support young people in North Sheffield
The continued work and goal of a permanent North Sheffield hub are entirely dependent on securing the necessary funding. As a small local charity, every penny goes directly to supporting young people.
We are actively seeking funding partners and opportunities to sustain our vital programmes in North Sheffield. If you or your organisation know of available grants or funding streams that align with our mission to empower young people through nature, please reach out.