Join us as we reFLect on the year and what’s to come for 2025.
It’s always good to look back at the year as we head to Christmas, to remember the milestones and achievements that have been made in the past 12 months.
Working for a charity that helps people through expert-led programmes in nature – we’re lucky that we have the success stories and the beautiful woods to showcase our hard work. Yet it’s important to reflect on these moments of hope because, at times, the work can be tough and distressing. But that is exactly why when we see someone go from a dark place, feeling unable to talk, to gradually over the weeks or months being able to express their feelings, join in with the group and flourish, we recognise that this is a huge success story – for the participants, their families & friends, and also for us.
So, we asked the team for some 2024 highlights of their own – from feedback from our participants, to updates on new initiatives, and taking part in fundraising fun – please read on for Green Light Trust’s highlights of the year.
Claire, part of our Suffolk team shared positive news about two of our young participants going on to apprenticeships – with a fantastic quote from one of them.
“We have had two of our young people go on to secure apprenticeships at the end of their time with us. One gained an apprenticeship as a Learning Disability Support Worker and the other has just started as a Teaching Assistant in a primary school. Both said that Green Light Trust helped them to build their confidence, social skills and also helped them to recognise that they wanted to support others, just like we had them.
“I am so proud of getting to where I am today. I have learnt new skills, made lifelong friends and now have a job. I honestly didn’t think it would ever be possible! I was terrified when I first joined GLT and never thought I would fit in. It has completely changed my mindset. I was so wary and untrusting of adults and peers my own age, but GLT helped me to find my people. Leaving is bittersweet as I have loved every minute of it, but I know it is time now to move on.”
Danny, Operations Manager has been involved in delivering the Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership student placement pilot.
“It has certainly opened new doors for us and our network of partners continues to grow as we are able to further demonstrate the achievements of our participants through our provision. The feedback has been amazing from the student placements, their tutors, assessors and course leaders. Leaders of community services have also requested visits for their teams as the movement of nature/nurture is becoming stronger as an addition to their practice.
We are proud to say that we are now partnering with The University of Suffolk, University of East Anglia and, University of Essex and in a position to offer placements again next year.”
Mel, our Finance Manager was one of the brave team that took part in the Firewalk fundraising event!
“On 8th November I was lucky enough to be able to join a group of fabulous colleagues and other brave souls and faced the flames and the challenge of walking over extremely hot (over 600 degrees) coals.
This was a truly incredible experience, and I am so glad we put on this fabulous fundraiser. Not only did I have an amazing time (which other colleagues have echoed too) but more importantly, collectively we raised an amazing £13,768! Excited to see what the next fundraiser will bring!”
Taylor, from our Suffolk team explained how some of young people we’ve worked with have progressed so well they’ve been able to go to local colleges – and shared some participants quotes:
“One participant has gone onto an animal care course and another one has gone into tree surgery. These are participants that originally came to us in a really ‘low’ place and they left with such positivity. I couldn’t be more proud of them.
Many of them were involved in creating a new camp at Castan. It had to be moved over to a new spot which involved building a new fire pit, building a log store, making dead hedges and other things to make it feel more usable and more like ‘home’, as well as dismantling the old camp. The young people worked really hard and have taken on all of the challenges that I have given them.”
“I’ve made friends. I’ve got confidence to stand up for myself now and have made changes to my life because of that. I’m happier since coming here. I also eat now and I didn’t used to” – Hayden
“Cutting down a tree was epic and I felt really proud of myself for doing that” – Katie
“I’m proud of myself for the first time ever. I’m proud of the stuff I’ve made and that’s never happened before. I like coming here because it’s a really nice group, everyone is really accepting and I can talk in front of people. I’ve never really felt comfortable doing that before” – Esther
David from our Norfolk team has been involved in building up a group of volunteers:
“2024 has been a fantastic year for our volunteer team in Norfolk! We’ve grown to a lively group of ten members who are a vital part of what we do. It’s a two-way street—they’ve boosted our ability to support others, and we’ve helped our volunteers grow. This year, two participants stepped up to become volunteers, and one of our volunteers, who started as a participant, has even landed a part-time job! Plus, our volunteer team played a key role in creating the new camp at Strumpshaw Fen. These results show just how awesome our volunteer programme is!”
Louise from our Norfolk team shared some participant quotes:
“It’s helped me bring myself out of myself. My self-esteem is improving. I’m able to face the world a bit easier.”
“Loved being on this course – I’ve felt like I have become accomplished at a new skill – green woodworking. Grateful that my opinions were taken seriously and that I mattered.”
“I’ve learned to be more confident. I’ll feel more able to apply for other things. I feel more independent.”
“I now go out for walks more since coming in this course.”
Andrew, our Operations Manager undertook an impressive sponsored bike ride to raise funds for Green Light Trust.
“It may be no surprise but my highlight of the year was cycling round the North Coast of Scotland, a trip I will never forget. It was a challenge that required planning, training and a bit of courage to put myself out there and risk failing. I am so grateful that a community of people got behind me and together we raised a decent chunk of money which I know will be used well. I hope that I inspired at least 1 person to go on adventure of their own, we only get one life, do something cool!”
