Developing life skills for sustainability

Sustainability is not just about saving the planet – it’s about developing skills and habits that bring benefits to you and others.

Previous generations were used to mending clothes, cooking using leftovers, and sharing tools and skills. Making the most out of things was just common sense. But our consumer culture has meant many of these skills and habits have been lost. 

Our approach

We want to bring back these skills and show the positive economic, social and environmental benefits that can be had. For example:

• Growing, storing and cooking food
• Bicycle repair and car maintenance
• Energy efficiency in the home and at work
• Fixing rather than replacing

Our work

Pathways to Independence is a three year programme in partnership with Brighton YMCA, Bike for Life and Furniture Now. The project aims to provide life-skills training to vulnerable and marginalised adults to build their skills, employability, social interactions and sustainability.

Participants attend courses that teach them bicycle maintenance or gardening skills whilst learning about the health and environmental benefits of cycling and eating locally grown food in season.  

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