How Sycamore Gardening is creating pathways into work and improving neighbourhoods along the way.
At Giroscope, we believe that better neighbourhoods are built through practical action: restoring homes, creating opportunities and supporting people to move forward.
Sycamore Gardening is a powerful example of that approach in action.
Based in West Hull, this community-led social enterprise uses gardening to create real pathways into employment. This is about more than gardening. It is about creating opportunity where it is needed most.
A pathway rooted in real work
Sycamore Gardening supports people to build horticultural skills while gaining hands-on experience in real working environments. From maintaining gardens to transforming outdoor spaces, participants develop practical abilities alongside essential workplace skills like reliability, teamwork and customer service. For many, it is a first step into employment, and a vital one.
Getting paid work is that valuable first step. We give people the chance to build confidence, reliability and real experience.
Modesta’s story: “This is only the beginning”
For Modesta, that pathway has been transformative. She first came to Giroscope as a tenant. From there, she began volunteering. Today, she leads one of the Sycamore Gardening teams. This year, Modesta achieved something she once thought unlikely: gaining her petrol chainsaw certificate.
Giroscope not only help people survive, they help people reach their dreams. For me, being trusted and trained to work with such tools was a powerful reminder that what truly matters is not your height but your impact. Through this job, I feel that I am giving something positive back to the world. Thanks to Giroscope, I have found safety, stability and a sense of belonging… most importantly, I have learned to believe in myself again.”
Now working in what she describes as her dream job, Modesta helps care for gardens across Hull and the East Riding, transforming outdoor spaces and seeing first-hand the difference that work makes to people’s lives. Her journey is about more than employment. With support from Giroscope, she is also working towards gaining her driving licence, opening up more independence, flexibility and future opportunities.
Creating impact across the community
Today, Modesta is not only building her own future, she is helping others do the same. The impact of Sycamore Gardening reaches far beyond individual stories.
Across the region, gardens are being restored, green spaces are being improved, and communities are becoming more connected. The work supports wellbeing, encourages pride in place and creates visible, lasting change.
The results can be seen everywhere: in cared-for gardens, in blooming public spaces and in the growing confidence of the people involved.
Growing more through partnership
That impact has been strengthened through partnership with B&Q, via the Neighbourly scheme.
Through regular donations of plants, bulbs and equipment, the partnership is helping extend the reach of the project across the community.
These contributions are helping brighten neighbourhoods while supporting hands-on learning and employment opportunities for local people.
It is a clear example of how collaboration between community organisations and businesses can deliver real, lasting social value.
A model for better neighbourhoods
Sycamore Gardening reflects a simple but powerful idea: when you invest in people and place at the same time, you create stronger communities.
By linking skills, employment and environmental improvement, the project shows how neighbourhood renewal can be practical, inclusive and sustainable.
It is not just about greener spaces. It is about real pathways. Real confidence. Real futures.
Get involved
Whether you are looking to build new skills, gain work experience or support community-led change, there are many ways to get involved.
Get in touch with Giroscope today and be part of creating greener spaces and real opportunities in West Hull.
