NEWS: Groundwork launches Northern Network of green community hubs

Groundwork have launched the Northern Network, a new community of people and projects involved in the set up and running of shared green spaces.

The project aims to use its extensive experience, connections and research to build a thriving network of Green Community Hubs right across the North of England. This coming-together of people and projects will provide peer support, opportunities to swap ideas and to share resources, and to take part in a programme of events and training, all ultimately driving a movement of greener communities, for the benefit of all.

Five Groundwork Trusts across the North are working together on the programme, with each Trust supporting a pilot Green Hub in their local area.

  • Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire, and Merseyside: Clay Pitts Park, Morecambe
  • Groundwork Greater Manchester: West Gorton Community Park
  • Groundwork Yorkshire: Horton Community Farm
  • Groundwork North East and Cumbria: Workington Green Community Hub
  • Groundwork South and North Tyneside: West Boldon Lodge

The aim is to co-create a vibrant network of pilot hubs in partnership with members of their local communities. The hubs are utilising existing assets and providing a broad range of services that build resilience and improve health outcomes, with the opportunity to get involved with volunteering, educational workshops, community gardening and wellbeing sessions, food growing and conservation projects. We’ll share this wealth of experience with others to inspire more people and communities to take action.

Jon Hutchinson, Groundwork’s Programme Director for Communities

These pilot hubs will provide learning for other network members through practical action on the ground and in the community. Learning resources include case studies, how-to guides, skills-sharing events, and training sessions.

Anyone involved in Green Community Hubs can sign up as a member for free. Membership offers access to a host of resources and events.

Find out more about the Northern Network

Notes to Editors

For more information please contact: media@groundwork.org.uk

About Groundwork

Groundwork is a charity working locally and nationally to transform lives in the UK’s most disadvantaged communities.

We’re passionate about creating a future where every neighbourhood is vibrant and green, every community is strong and able to shape its own destiny, and no one is held back by their background or circumstances. We help people gain confidence and skills, get into training and work, protect and improve green spaces, lead more active lives and overcome significant challenges such as poverty, isolation, low skills and poor health: www.groundwork.org.uk