About You Matter

You Matter is a community interest company rooted in nature, creativity and connection

We exist to create calm, inclusive spaces where people can slow down, feel supported and reconnect with themselves, others and the natural world

Our work is shaped by place, by people, and by a belief that wellbeing grows through shared experience, practical activity and time spent in nature

Why we do this

You Matter grew from a shared recognition that people don’t need ‘fixing’ — they need space. Space to breathe, to learn through doing, to feel useful, and to belong

Set within a small woodland site in Saddleworth, our work has developed in response to local need, lived experience and ongoing conversations with individuals, families, schools and community organisations. What began as care for a neglected piece of land has grown into a place for learning, creativity and connection

Our approach

We work through three interconnected strands: nature, creativity and connection

Our sessions are informed by Forest School principles, trauma-informed practice and community learning, but remain flexible and responsive to the people who take part. Whether through woodland management, outdoor learning, traditional crafts or shared projects, we focus on creating environments that feel safe, welcoming and purposeful

We value learning through doing, time spent alongside others, and activities that offer a sense of achievement without pressure or expectation

Rooted in place

Our woodland site in Uppermill sits within the East Oldham District and has been carefully regenerated from an overgrown, unused space into a welcoming environment for community use

Being rooted locally matters to us. We work with people from Saddleworth, Oldham and the wider Greater Manchester area, and our approach is shaped by the landscape, the community and the relationships built over time. The woodland is not just a setting for our work — it is an active part of it

Who we work with

We work with children and young people, adults, families, community groups and organisations.

This includes schools, alternative education providers, local partners and individuals seeking supportive, nature-based experiences

Our work ranges from open-access community sessions to bespoke programmes developed in partnership with schools and organisations, shaped by shared values and clear purpose.

A place to connect

You Matter Saddleworth continues to grow through collaboration, care for place and the people who choose to be part of it. If you’d like to learn more about our work, explore a partnership, or simply have a conversation, we’d be glad to hear from you.