Green It! is a partnership between Wigan Council and the Probation Service, bringing together council teams and individuals on community payback to improve local spaces while supporting people to rebuild confidence and skills.
Many neighbourhoods were affected by fly tipping, graffiti and neglect. At the same time, individuals on community payback often lacked opportunities to gain skills, routine and a positive connection to their community.
Instead of focusing only on tasks, the approach centres on people and relationships. Participants work side by side with council teams, supported by a dedicated leader who builds trust and encourages progress. Strong partnership working ensures the right support, skills and opportunities are in place.
48 sites have been improved, including 4 transformed alleyways, and 120 trees planted. Over 1,300 hours of work have been delivered, turning neglected spaces into cleaner, safer places that communities can take pride in.
For many, this has been a turning point - building confidence, learning new skills and, in some cases, moving into employment, including one individual starting their own gardening business.
Communities feel safer and more connected, with visible improvements boosting pride and encouraging people to care for their local area.
The partnership has increased capacity and delivered environmental improvements in a cost-effective way. Without it, many sites may have remained neglected, and fewer opportunities would have existed to support people into positive futures.
Green It! shows that when we focus on people, not just problems, we create lasting change. A traditional approach may have cleaned spaces, but this relational approach has also rebuilt confidence, created opportunity and strengthened communities.