Thrive with The Green Team
Thrive is one of The Green Team's most established and impactful programmes. It is designed to support young people aged 14-18 who are experiencing mental health difficulties.
Thrive runs 2 week-day programmes for small groups, during term time for up to a year. The focus is on activities to help build community and a safe space, connecting to nature, self and others. Time for supported self-reflection is balanced with practical conservation work and learning new skills.
Learning through Thrive
Thrive participants also have the opportunity to achieve a range of awards and qualifications including SCQF Level 5 Forest Outdoor Learning Award (FOLA). FOLA Awards are inclusive, accessible and flexible, supporting alternative curriculum and attainment and are credit rated to internationally recognised SCQF levels. FOLA SCQF Level 5 is a certified Award (6 credits).
‘I never thought I’d be able to do it, but I did it anyway.’ Participant
‘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
Who is Thrive for?
Young people (14-18 yrs) can join or be referred to the Monday Thrive programme during term time for up to a year.
The Wednesday Thrive programme is open to groups referred by a single agency.
Young people from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences are welcomed. Thrive participants 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 breakdown
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. Thrive also welcomes young people facing prejudice such as racism and transphobia.
Monday Thrive – is for up to 8 young people who meet once a week during term time, with renewed booking each term. This programme is open to young people who either self-refer or are referred by different agencies across Edinburgh.
Wednesday Thrive – runs once a week for 6-8 weeks. The programme supports a group of up to 8 young people referred by a single agency (or example, one school or youth group).
For our Thrive programmes, The Green Team accepts referrals from agencies and partners including High Schools, CAMHS, Social Work Departments, Youth Agencies, parents and carers. We ask that referring agencies support young people to attend the session with reminders, and taxis where needed.
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.
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.
THRIVE supported by nature
On the Thrive programme, being in nature becomes a resource that young people can then access for support with their mental health for the rest of their lives.
With Thrive’s small group size and long-term work, participants feel safe to be themselves, make friends, and talk with other young people or adults. High adult ratios enable us to deliver the activities safely, as we support and celebrate each individual.
Through the Thrive programme, young people,
- 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
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.
Thrive: your next step
Are you a young person who feels you would benefit from Thrive? Working with a young person who would benefit from Thrive? Please complete the application form below, then
- Suitable applications are accepted or held until a place can be offered
- An initial 1:1 meeting is arranged prior to the first group session for assessment and information. A support worker or family member is asked to accompany the young person for the 1:1 meeting
- If space allows, the young person will be accepted on a 2 week trial basis. After that they will be offered a place on a term by term basis
Please contact Kate Hedges, Thrive Programme Leader, if you have any queries
NEWS FROM THRIVE
Certified SCQF Level 5 – Forest Outdoor Learning Award
Aged 14-18, looking for a next step, but struggling with a mainstream learning environment?
Thriving… a year later
This year, six young people have worked so hard and achieved so much. Nature has become a special resource they can now access to support their mental health
A flavour of Thrive
An overview of a Thrive project we ran with pupils from St. Andrews High School and CREW – a harm reduction and outreach charity