For councils and youth services

Commission practical progress you can see.

Young adults take responsibility for real places, real briefs and work that is visible in their community—not exercises that disappear when a session ends.

Targeted progression and re-engagement

NEET prevention and reduction for ages 15–25.

Commission practical horticulture and digital design support for young people at risk of disengagement or already outside education, employment or training. Agree the cohort, access needs, engagement goals, portfolio evidence and destination planning with us before delivery.

Our offer complements local prevention and progression services, with third-party referrals and onward links to appropriate support.

View the service and referral information

Impact in practice

Responsibility changes how young adults see themselves.

We give young adults meaningful roles in creating, improving and caring for shared spaces. They are trusted to contribute ideas, solve practical problems and see the result of their work being used by other people.

A young adult helping to secure a supporting structure inside a polytunnel — **Building responsibility**Young adults helped create and secure structures inside the polytunnel, learning to work safely, follow a practical task and take ownership of a growing space.

A participant holding a healthy young plant ready for planting — **Growing something that matters**Participants planted and cared for summer plants and heirloom varieties, developing patience, observation and pride in seeing living results.

Real responsibility for SEND cohorts

SEND participants were trusted with genuine planting decisions, plant care and practical responsibilities—not token jobs. Clear roles helped them contribute to a shared result and recognise their own capabilities.

Ideas shaped around local businesses

Young adults helped develop planting ideas for local businesses, including a launderette in Perivale. They considered the shopfront, customer access, available space and the experience of people using the business before planning flowers outside.

Creativity with a public purpose

Learners were asked to think beyond “what looks nice”. They developed ideas that made everyday places feel cared for, welcoming and distinctive while responding to the practical needs of the site.

Connection through shared work

Planting together created natural reasons to talk, exchange ideas and rely on one another. This helped reduce loneliness and gave young adults a visible role in improving their community.

What commissioners are investing in

Not simply a gardening session: a supported environment where young adults practise responsibility, decision-making, teamwork and communication through work that has a real audience and a visible public result.

Evidence

Useful measures, not empty activity.

We agree the brief, support needs and intended progression before delivery begins.

Attendance

Session engagement and completion.

Practical evidence

Finished work, photographs and observations.

Digital portfolio

Outputs showing ideas, process and communication.

Progression

A credible onward route into learning, volunteering or work.

Flexible commissioning

Start with a pilot. Build from what works.

1 day focused experience4–6 weeks short pilot8–12 weeks progression programme6–8 learners supported cohort

Tell us what your service needs to achieve.

Start a commissioning conversation