Growing Futures:
Employment, Training & Coaching for Young People in Dorset
Transforming Barriers into Pathways
Our mission is to help young people across Dorset overcome barriers to employment, education and training. Whether it’s through hands-on paid work in garden maintenance, nationally accredited horticulture qualifications, or one-to-one life coaching for those at risk of becoming NEET, our programmes unlock potential, build confidence, and change lives.
We work with:
- Young people with SEND
- Adults facing social or educational disadvantage
- Schools, social workers, local authorities and community partners
Employers and organisations committed to inclusive recruitment.
Supported Employment
DCA GreenCare: Transforming Gardens, Transforming Lives
Accredited Training
Gardening Workshops and Courses with ‘Seed2Plate’
NEET Coaching
1 to 1 Life-Coaching for Young People at Risk of Becoming NEET
Why People and Partners Choose Us
- Wrap-around support – Unlike volume providers, we combine accredited training, in-work job coaching, and pastoral care, increasing retention and long-term progression.
- Flexible partnership – From social enterprises to SEND schools, we co-design placements and volunteering pathways that fit each partner’s goals rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all model.
- Accredited, Inclusive Training – As an NOCN centre, our courses are quality-assured and nationally recognised. We deliver horticulture qualifications in informal, welcoming environments that work for learners others often overlook.
- Coaches That Truly Connect – Our one-to-one coaching team is rooted in the local area. With deep relational work and small caseloads, they support young people from school disengagement through to successful post-16 transitions.
- Practical, Proven, Person-Centred – From coaching to training, every offer is tailored to individual needs. We’ve designed our services to meet learners and customers where they are—and help them grow from there.
- Local roots, local impact – We are Dorset-based and Dorset-focused, so every pound invested stays in the county, creating community benefit rather than disappearing into a national contract provider.
As an employment partner, we work with partner organisations sharing our values to deliver programmes that work:
Supported Employment (GreenCare)
- Paid garden maintenance roles for young people with SEND
- Services provided to vulnerable and elderly residents
- Tasks include grass cutting, clearance, hedge trimming, fence painting and more
- Supervised by professionals with safeguarding training
- Flexible one-off or regular bookings, with transparent pricing
Accredited Training (Seed2Plate)
- Level 1 Award in Horticulture (NOCN)
- Bite-sized tasters, 4-week community courses, volunteer pathways
- Practical sessions in real gardens; small groups with SEN-aware trainers
- Produces food for foodbanks and plants for sale, combining learning with social good
- For Year 10–11 students at risk of disengaging from education
- Weekly face-to-face sessions with trusted coaches in the BCP area
- Focused on motivation, goal-setting and post-16 transition
Ongoing support continues into college, apprenticeships or work.
Inclusive by Design
We don’t expect young people to fit into the system, we design our services around them.
Real Results
From paid employment to accredited qualifications to reduced NEET rates, our impact is measurable and meaningful.
Reinforcing the Local Economy
By training and employing Dorset residents, we help strengthen the local workforce and reduce long-term dependency.
Our programmes are free for eligible participants. Funding will depend on the programme: we run a mixed income model of trading income and contracts, grant funding, and partner contributions, depending on the service.
We operate county-wide, with hubs in Dorchester and Wimborne.
Because we go deeper. Our small-scale, relationship-led model delivers higher engagement and better long-term outcomes—without the bureaucracy.
All our work is professionally supervised, and trainees are supported to succeed. Challenging jobs are handled by our skilled staff, ensuring consistent, high-quality outcomes.
Currently yes, though we would love to talk to partners about developing other opportunities including home help, cleaning, and other entry level jobs providing services to the community.
Ready to Get Started?
For GreenCare gardening services or Seed2Plate training contact:
Lydia Harvey
📧 Lydia.harvey@dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk
📞 07421 994591
For coaching partnerships or stakeholder enquiries contact:
Paul Seaman, Programme Manager
📧 paul.seaman@dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk
📞 07421 994587
Stay in the Loop
Be the first to hear about new training opportunities, seasonal gardening tips, and trainee success stories. Join our mailing list
Partner With Us
We welcome new collaborations from:
- Employers with grounds maintenance needs
- Schools and social services referring young people
- Funders and sponsors supporting training and inclusion
Let’s grow opportunity together. Reach out today to explore how we can work in partnership