CASE STUDY
Successfully ‘illuminating’ young lives
Green Light Trust, an environmental education charity, headquartered in Suffolk.
The ‘Ask’
Having made great initial strides with its ‘Natural Alternative’ programme of work (designed to support children from primary age and above who might be struggling in mainstream school), the charity was eager to gain funding for a full-time post.
This would allow one designated individual to conduct a series of pilots and develop a successful pathway through which youngsters could be referred and supported.
The Full Story
What’s more true to the core of Kerrison Trust, than being able to facilitate change and opportunity for young people?
After all, the charity’s origins lie in the creation of a Reform School, set up in 1856 in the village of Thorndon, near Eye.
No wonder then, that the board of trustees were so keen to hear about the work of Green Light Trust, and of their request to fund a Delivery Manager, who would bring to life specific programmes which serve children and young people.
The Impact
“It’s hard to over-state the importance of having been able to access that funding and which really enabled us to reach more young people, purely through the work of the individual funded.
“Danny, our delivery manager, has achieved a phenomenal amount and we were able to help 450 young people in Suffolk last year in one 12-month period alone.
“On top of this we’re looking to emulate the programme further across the region, such has been the demand and the positive impact.”
The work of Green Light Trust and working with Children and Young People.
Case Study: Luca, a Natural Alternative participant
Sometimes success involves leaving Green Light Trust and progressing on to a new path. And so it was with Luca, who has been with GLT for three years and has now left to begin an apprenticeship with a plant hire and plant machinery company.
Luca is a well-known face at Castan having been through the Natural Alternative and Education, Health Care and Plan (EHCP) pathways, working with a wide range of staff over the years.
Along the way he has become well known for his woodland skills, his energetic sense of humour and his interests in fishing, motocross, cars and bourbon biscuits. Many of you will have seen Luca’s ‘legacy’ project – the improvements to the swamp bridge. This wasn’t quite completed by the end of Luca’s final day, but he was happy to pass the responsibility on to his fellow EHCP participants.
Green Light Trust team were equally delighted and sad to see Luca move on to pastures new, with his last couple of days marked with celebrations, cake and thanks in both directions.
Luca’s mum thanked GLT for “everything you’ve done to help Luca achieve and be ready to face the world of work”. “From the moment we looked around Castan Wood I knew that the environment was one he’d thrive in, but what I didn’t expect was for such a wonderful group of adults you would all be.”
The last word though is from Luca, who wrote: “I want to say a huge thank you for everything all of you have done for me. I wouldn’t be where I am now without you lot, you have changed me and helped shape me into the person I am now, so thank you.”
The Voice of Kerrison Trust
“It was such an obvious choice of a beneficiary for us.
“Green Light Trust are turning around the lives and hopes and dreams of young people, where otherwise such children and youngsters might so easily get forgotten or dismissed.
“That feels very closely in line with our heritage as a charity – granting money and support to situations which enable youngsters across the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk to have a better future.
“We’re thrilled to see the success of the Natural Alternatives pathway and we continue to wish the very best to Lauren’s team at Green Light Trust.
“As with all of our recipients, we’ll be staying in close contact to see how those funds enable them to develop and achieve even more in the years to come.
“They are clearly having significant impact on the communities they serve – and that’s exactly what sits at our heart.”
– Diane Cook, Trustee of Kerrison Trust
“We first reached out to Kerrison Trust back in 2016 for our Young Futures programme, which later became Natural Alternative. We knew their ethos aligned with us, given their heritage in supporting children and young people to thrive by having new opportunities and hope.
“Our Natural Alternative programme was already proving to be something we knew had great value.
“It allows us to work with children and young people from primary school age upwards, who may be struggling in the mainstream system and need a different environment to flourish.
“Our programme takes referrals from local authorities and schools, and we give each child the opportunity to have a day a week with us, working in small groups and learning to self-regulate and take part in numerous activities close to nature.
“When we approached Kerrison we were keen to fund one member of staff to set up some pilots and see how our pathway might develop.
“In fact, Kerrison was so impressed with us and so keen to show their support that they committed to the funding for a total of three years.”
Lauren Shand – CEO OF GREEN LIGHT TRUST
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“My clients have neuro-diverse conditions (such as autism, ADHD, sensory sensitivities, dyslexia and demand avoidance) and many are not currently managing to attend school and engage in activities… The individualised welcoming emails made clear my clients could participate on their own terms and as much or as little as they felt able to – such sensitivity and acceptance is very rare and shows tremendous empathy that I know has been hugely recognised and appreciated by those families.
– Suffolk Family Carers
“Thank you for supporting this organisation. My son is 15 years old, in mainstream school, with a diagnosis of ASD, OCD and co-morbidity. He has been bullied both verbally and physically, which has resulted in his anxiety and low self-esteem. I cannot thank Green Light Trust enough for taking him ‘under their wing’ – and providing a lifeline for the whole family. He loves working and helping younger children, so perhaps he will be able to share his love of nature with others in future.”
– Parent of course attendee
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