Thrive

Thrive with The Green Team

'I never thought I'd be able to do it, but I did it anyway.' Participant

The Green Team's award-winning Thrive programme is for 14-18 year olds and aims to support mental health through building a safe space, community, connection to nature, and achievement in activities.

Thrive is a place for young people to be themselves, relax, try new things, and discover how to make things better for themselves.

Thrive aims to gently encourage young people to get involved in new activities in a supportive group setting outdoors.

'The THRIVE programme has helped improve the mental health and well being of many of our pupils, they engage with the programme due to the quality and skills of the staff at finding individualised strengths in the young people and building on it.' Teacher

‘My son has benefitted so much from attending Thrive. He feels less socially isolated, he has made new friends. He had fun! He has really enjoyed being in nature, carrying out meaningful activities and tasks that will improve nature and the environment.’ Parent

Who is it for

Thrive is one of The Green Team’s most established and impactful programmes. The programme is designed for young people aged 14-18 who are experiencing mental health difficulties. In addition they may experience other challenges in their life.

Young people may:

have a diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health issue
be experiencing social isolation
be dealing with a specific adverse experience such as bereavement or family break down

Young people from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences are welcomed. They may be excluded from school, be a school non-attender, have social work involvement, be looked after, accommodated or in kinship care, be a young carer or have sporadic support at home. We also work with young people facing prejudice such as racism and transphobia.

Thrive offers an on-going multi-agency programme. This means that individual young people across Edinburgh can be referred (anytime) to our Thrive programme.

Please note: Due to the vulnerable nature of the young people in this group, we are unable to accept applications for young people with behavioural issues. Young people must be able to work in a group setting. Please get in touch to discuss an application if preferred.

Time to thrive

The Thrive programme works with people for up to a year and offers an invaluable opportunity for a small group of young people to form friendships and work together as a team. The small group size and long-term work allow the participants to feel safe to be themselves, make friends, and talk with other young people or adults. High adult ratios allow us to deliver the activities safely, as we support and celebrate each individual.

Working long term allows the participants to become familiar with being outside. Nature and being outside has become a special resource that these young people can access for support with their mental health for the rest of their lives.

Through the Thrive programme, young people will:

make an impact and contribute to practical conservation projects using tools
be involved in outdoor living skills and nature connection activities such as fire lighting, shelter building and wildlife activities
take part in activities and and learn strategies to support mental wellbeing
have a safe space to talk about things in their lives in our wee special group
have respite from daily life
have their individual needs addressed through small groups with high levels of support

Supported by nature

On the Thrive programme, our focus is on activities to help build community and a safe space, connecting to nature, self and others. There is also time spent doing practical conservation work, learning new skills and achieving a variety of awards.

This active time is balanced with opportunities for self-reflection and time just being together around the fire.

Our tailored approach

Throughout, the approach we take is tailored in consultation with the young people taking part. We also ensure regular liaison with parents, carers and support workers.

In recent years, The Green Team have accepted referrals from and continued to work with partners including High Schools, CAMHS, Social Work Departments, Youth Agencies, parents and carers to support participants.

‘This service is worth it’s weight in gold! They impact is incredible and the young people gain so much out of it in a relatively short amount of time. Thank you!’

Programmes are led by the Thrive Project Co-ordinator, Kate Hedges, and are supported by adult volunteers who together support young people to develop healthy personal relationships built on trust.

“This programme is immense in its gifts to young people. It gives them power and credibility in their own selves and a valuable ray of happiness.”

“Green Team is an amazing organisation with so much patience and empathy for our young people. Thrive has provided a nurturing space for our pupil and he has thrived!!!”

More about Thrive

Thrive: When does it run?

Thrive programmes are on going, long term, midweek programmes. They run each Monday during term time from The Risk Factory. We ask that referring agencies support young people to attend the session with reminders, and taxis where needed.

Thrive programmes take place mid-week and are delivered in the following ways:

Our Multi-Agency programme involves up to 8 young people who meet once a week during term time. This programme is ongoing with renewed booking each term.
6-8 week programme with young people from a single agency (one school or youth group for example) as an initial support.

Thrive receives referrals from mental health agencies such as CAMHS, social workers and school staff. It is also possible for a young person to self-refer.

Thrive: What Next?

Are you a young person who feels you would benefit from Thrive?
Working with a young person who you feel would benefit from Thrive?

If you support a young person who could benefit from this programme please complete the application form below
Suitable applications will be accepted or held until a place can be offered
Initial 1:1 meetings will be arranged prior to the first group session for assessment and information. It is requested that a
support worker or family member accompany the young person for the initial meeting
If space allows, the young person will be accepted on a 2 week trial basis. After that the young person will be offered a place
on a term by term basis
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Kate Hedges, Thrive Programme Leader, if you have any queries

PLEASE CONTACT KATE HEDGES >>

DOWNLOAD THE THRIVE APPLICATION FORM