We have awarded £19,506 via our Essex Climate Action Challenge Fund to help inspire young climate activists.
The funding has been awarded to communities and environmental charity Groundwork East with the support of the Essex Climate Action Commission (ECAC).
It will be used to run ‘Climate Crew Clubs’ for 7 to 11-year-olds at nine primary schools in Essex as well as one home-school cohort.
These clubs will be delivered by experienced environmental education practitioners. They will run activities themed on topics like fast fashion, waste and biodiversity.
Jane Herbert, Senior Project Officer at Groundwork East, said: “We were delighted to receive funding from the Climate Action Challenge Fund to develop and deliver Climate Clubs in Colchester.
“The funding will enable us to offer up to 200 children in primary schools and home-schooling groups the chance to take part in a five-week Climate Club. The clubs are free to attend and provide dedicated time to discuss the impacts that plastics, waste, fast fashion, energy and transport can have on the environment as well as how important biodiversity is to creating a healthy world.”
Groundwork East is one of 15 organisations which has so far made a successful application to the £500,000 Climate Action Challenge Fund. The fund offers grants of between £5,000 and £20,000. Applications for grants are open until the end of March 2023 or until all funds are allocated.
The Fund was launched by Essex County Council in 2021 following the publication of the ECAC’s ‘Net Zero: Making Essex Carbon Neutral’ report.
Cllr Peter Schwier, Climate Czar at Essex County Council, said: “It’s inspiring to hear of Groundwork East’s ambitions for supporting the younger generation to become more climate conscious through the ‘Climate Crew Clubs’ and I’m looking forward to seeing how these clubs begin to flourish.
“The Climate Action Challenge Fund grants are designed to help kick start a whole variety of projects across Essex which get more people involved and taking positive action in helping their communities and the county of Essex become carbon neutral.”