Thrive Through Nature Youth Pilot Sunderland

To test approaches that strengthen the role of nature-based activity in supporting DWP customers, Natural England has secured internal funding to commission delivery of a pilot programme for young people aged 18-24 who are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET).

This pilot focuses on North East England as it has the highest youth unemployment rate in the UK, at 24.6%. It will operate through the following Jobcentre Plus or DWP Youth Hub locations:

● North Shields Jobcentre

● Sunderland Youth Hub

Durham Wildlife Trust was successful in bidding for the Sunderland programme. They will deliver six-week nature-based programmes at Rainton Meadows between November 2026 and end of February 2027. Each programme will support a cohort of 10-15 unemployed 18-24-year-olds referred by Sunderland Youth Hub, participating six weekly sessions of around 3 hours each.