About Us
Groundwork is a federation of charities mobilising practical community action on poverty and the environment across the UK.
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 believe that working with local communities to build their resilience is vital in facing up to the challenges of a globalised economy and a changing climate. We know that the negative effects of climate change and environmental breakdown impact first and worst on those who have the least power in society, and who contribute least to the cause of the crisis. A ‘just transition’ to an inclusive, net-zero economy must tackle, rather than entrench, this inequality and provide a springboard for better work and healthier, happier lives in the places that need it most.
This means creating green jobs that build wealth in local communities, changing behaviour to reduce wasted food, energy and water, providing biodiverse, accessible green spaces, supporting businesses to be more responsible and empowering communities to lead activities that improve their quality of life and promote health and wellbeing.
Why our work is important
89%
Of community groups say their work is needed more than ever, but more than half say it has got harder for them to operate in the last ten years.
75%
Of people say they feel unable to influence decisions about what happens in their local area.
50%
Nearly half of young people say they feel they don’t belong to their neighbourhood.
76%
Of adults say they are concerned about climate change.
40%
Of young people admit to feeling ‘overwhelmed’ by the climate crisis.
90%
Of SMEs said being sustainable was important for their business but more than half said they were finding it difficult to take action.
2.69 million
People do not live within a ten minute walk of a green space. Those who are at greatest risk of poor physical and mental health are more likely to miss out on the benefits of green space.change.
500,000+
Around half a million young people were ‘economically inactive’ – not in learning or employment and not looking for work.
One in ten
Households in England is experiencing fuel poverty, rising to almost one in five for ethnic minority households.
The change that we deliver
We know that many people face multiple challenges – living in isolation or with significant health issues in communities with few facilities and limited employment prospects. We work with partners to address these challenges in three ways: we create better places, we improve people’s prospects, and we promote greener choices.
We create better places
By making communities greener, safer and healthier and by enabling people to work together to bring about change in their local area.
Last year we invested £90 million in communities, supported 7,102 community groups, and mobilised 203,905 hours of volunteering.
We improve people’s prospects
By increasing the confidence, skills, wellbeing and employability of those struggling in education or out of work.
Last year we supported 14,442 young people to learn and achieve, helped people to get 3,732 qualifications, and supported 7,125 people into education, training, or work.
We promote greener lifestyles
To help people and businesses reduce their environmental impact, improve their health, cut waste and save money.
Last year we planted 48,698 trees, improved 13.4 million square metres of land, and supported 35,990 households with visits from our Green Doctor home energy efficiency experts.