Serving Up Success

A charity which uses the power of sport and mentoring to transform the lives of young people has been awarded £250,000 in funding raised by Postcode Lottery players.

The surprise award for Greenhouse Sports was served up by Postcode Lottery Ambassador Matt Johnson during a visit to The Greenhouse Centre, their community hub in Westminster.

There were cheers and tears when the cheque was revealed.

Don Barrell, Greenhouse’s CEO, said: "When people care deeply, good things happen. It’s a huge thanks to players for making this possible."

Last year, Greenhouse Sports reached more than 8,000 young people living in areas of high deprivation to help make a positive difference.

Their coach-mentors provide structured sport and mentoring programmes that improve the attendance, well-being and confidence of those involved, raise aspirations and encourage young people to reach their potential.

The real magic in Greenhouse’s work is the commitment they make to young people over years, rather than weeks. Their coach mentors are embedded in school communities permanently, showing up daily for the young people they support and building the care and connection that sustains trusted relationships over time.

Last year 85% of the young people supported by Greenhouse reported improved behaviour at school, and they attended 2 more weeks of school than their peers.

Beyond schools, the Greenhouse Centre is at the heart of the community, providing year-round support for local people, with activities open to everyone, and members from 5 – 95 years old.

Postcode Lottery players have been supporting the work of Greenhouse Sports since 2015, raising more than £5.4 Million to date.

Don continued: "One in five children growing up in poverty believe their life will amount to nothing. Not because of a lack of ability but because poverty places barriers on their education, well-being and dreams. They have talent, energy and drive. What they lack is opportunity.

"And that is where the support of Postcode Lottery players is making such a difference. This funding means young people can change their story."

England rugby international player Ben Earl is a supporter of the charity and was there for the surprise reveal.

Ben said: "Sport gives people the platform to go on and do special things. You learn through sport - you learn how to talk to people. You learn how to be respectful, how to accept winning and how to accept losing. It gives you a holistic view of life, I think. So yeah, this is a pretty special place."