Community

We have partnered with the Green Light Trust. Please keep reading to find out more about this amazing charity and see why we have chosen to work with them.

Who are the Green Light Trust?

Established in 1989, Green Light Trust (GLT) is a UK registered environmental charity that believes in the power of nature to transform lives. With its head office in Lawshall, between Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury, GLT runs progressive wellbeing and educational programmes in Frithy Wood, near its Lawshall HQ, and at its other Suffolk locations: Castan Wood in Martlesham Heath and at RSPB Minsmere, as well as at other green sites across East Anglia.

The charity’s beneficiaries are adults, children and young people who have poor wellbeing and/or barriers to life progression, and who need support to rebuild and refocus their lives. GLT works with over 1800 adults and children each year.

Who can the Green Light Trust help?

They typically work with adults who:

• have mental health issues
• are in recovery from substance misuse
• are victims of domestic or other abuse
• have suffered trauma or displacement
• have chronic illness
• are socially isolated
• have learning disabilities
• are probation service users
• are long-term unemployed

They typically work with children who:

• have behavioural or mental health issues
• have low self-esteem, autism or learning disabilities
• are not in education, training or employment (NEET)
• have suffered trauma or displacement
• are vulnerable to exploitation or abuse
• are excluded from school or in Pupil Referral Units
• have other disadvantage or barriers to life progression

What do the Green Light Trust do?

The Green Light Trust work with small groups of beneficiaries, one day a week for several weeks per group, in our woodland – using conservation, exploratory woodland walks, wood-crafting and campfire cooking activities, as well as sharing our extensive knowledge of woodland ecology and natural habitats – teaching participants practical skills and improving their: confidence and self-esteem, physical and mental wellbeing, social skills and networks.

Their courses are designed to progress each individual and motivate them to move forward in life; be that in wellbeing improvement and social inclusion, or accessing further training, volunteering or employment. GLT works with many partner organisations to help participants take their next step and build resilience to overcome their personal challenges.

Over 30 years, they have delivered many environmental projects, including inspiring and supporting 62 community woodlands in Suffolk and Norfolk, with the planting of thousands of trees.

Their current work with their beneficiaries enables us to effectively manage many acres of woodland; improving biodiversity, plant and tree health, and natural habitats for wildlife. They provide volunteer and work experience opportunities for participants on their programmes to further progress their environmental knowledge and gain access to employment opportunities.

For more information or to find out how you can get involved, visit the Green Light Trust Website by clicking here