Establishing a Green Community Hub in Brinnington
Background
Groundwork have been supporting the community in Brinnington since 2015, working as the Local Trusted Organisation, offering expert guidance with programme and project management, implementation and delivery in order to achieve the Big Local partnership outcomes. Volunteers established the Green Thumbs community allotment, due to their strong value of nature for wellbeing.
In 2024 local volunteers joined the Northern Network initiative with an ambition to develop a Green Community Hub in the area, as there weren’t many accessible green spaces that were easy for wheelchair and disabled residents to visit.
What do the community want to see?
Community Engagement
Groundwork built on existing relationships within the community and got to work understanding residents’ interest in a Green Community Hub and what services they’d like to see as part of it.
Initial engagement activities highlighted that the community would like to see:
- Local growing spaces: Residents are keen to get involved with growing sessions so they can learn how to grow their own food to save money and reduce their carbon footprint. Our team held a skill sharing event at Green Thumbs community allotment in October, so residents could tour the space and learn more about caring for an allotment plot.
- Wellbeing activities: Residents are looking for spaces to connect with others and nature. Our team will be running regular sessions at Green Thumbs community allotment.
- More community spaces: The community’s vision is to create a network of accessible green spaces, all within walking or scooting distance and could host a wide range of green/nature-based activities and initiatives, ensuring there’s something for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
- Local ownership: Our team are supporting the creation of a Brinnington Steering Group. These volunteers support the enhancement of the hub through running activities and listening to residents about their wants and needs!
Our work so far
In November 2024, Brinnington residents came together for some festive cheer to create some homemade natural wreaths. This was a great opportunity to bring local people together and many were interested to know more about upcoming Green Community Hub activities!
In December 2024, volunteers helped to plant up green spaces outside the Brinnington Health Centre, adding native bulbs and helping to brighten up the space for the warmer months!
In Spring 2025, the community hosted an opening event for their new Covid Memorial Garden at Berwick Parade, featuring a variety of plants and flowers, seating and a welcoming layout that honours those lost during the pandemic!
This summer, the Brinnington Green Guardians have enjoyed a mixture of outdoor adventures, including den building, sports, relaxing in hammocks, skimming stones, and exploring nature on walks through Reddish Vale.
Bringing together the community
Activities so far have included:
- The delivery of a Cook, Grow, Eat Model working in partnership with Green Thumbs Gardens volunteers and Cracking Good Food.
- The establishment of the Green Guardians group for young women, focusing on enhancing their mental and physical well-being through nature-based practical activities, and physical exploration of the area.
- Community bulb planting and installation of raised planters at the Medical Centre Garden
- A self-referred Green Social Prescribing programme running at the Green Thumbs Allotment
- Funding from Manchester Airport resulted in a shared Tool Library being set up at the Green Thumbs Gardens. All Green Community Hub members have access to the Tool Library and resources are shared freely amongst the groups.
Community feedback
We’ve received a lot of positive feedback about the ongoing activities from local residents:
“I enjoy the camaraderie and everybody together doing something they enjoy”
“I usually stay in. My carer has suggested to come out and I’ve enjoyed it.”
“My favourite part of the Green Community Hub activities is finding out more that are happening in the area”
“My favourite part of the Green Community Hub activities is watching the memorial garden develop and getting involved in planting”
As a result of these activities, there have been several positive impacts in the community. Our survey of the Covid-memorial garden suggests that more people are spending more time outdoors than before with people meeting there, resting and enjoying the space.
What is a Green Community Hub?
Made possible thanks to funding and support from:
