Hyndburn's youth take on new Green Influencer roles
Young people are helping their communities to become more green thanks to a new funding boost.
Green Influencers are popping up across Hyndburn
Submitted by Alison Silver
New national funding has been inspiring young people to get green in their local community.
Young people from Hyndburn, Lancashire, are set to follow in the footsteps of Great Thunberg thanks to the funding from The Ernest Cook Trust national education charity.
The PROSPECTS Foundation has received funding to support the employment of a Green Mentor who will enable young people to lead the way as Green Influencers on social action projects in their communities.
The Green Influencers Scheme is a project match-funded through the #iwill Fund which is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and Department of Culture, Media & Sport which are each investing £25 million seed funding to support young people to access high-quality social action opportunities.
Green Influencers aged from 10 to 14-years-old will spring up across Hyndburn after The PROSPECTS Foundation was among 36 host organisations awarded grants to support the employment of 40 Green Mentor posts.
Together they will turn words into action with a wide range of measures to protect and enhance the local environment and tackle climate change.
Alison Silver, on behalf of The PROSPECTS Foundation, said: "We were delighted to receive the funding which will enable us to help young people to support local communities with environmental projects.
"What is really special about Green Influencers’ Scheme is that it will give young people a chance to lead the way and offer the chance to learn through hands-on outdoor activities."
Over the next two years, under the Green Influencers Scheme, The Ernest Cook Trust will fund the Green Mentor post to kick-start the programme with further financial support to ensure they instigate lasting change right across their communities.
Dr Victoria Edwards OBE, Chief Executive of The Ernest Cook Trust, said:
"Inspired by teenagers like Greta Thunberg, young people across England have been leading the climate change and wildlife crisis debate.
"The Trust’s new funding programme will empower young people in Hyndburn to follow in Greta’s footsteps and positively engage in environmental social action projects.
"The pandemic has had a huge impact on communities, but by campaigning, fundraising and volunteering, the Green Influencers will create long-lasting benefits for everyone."
Anyone interested in joining the Green Influencers Scheme should contact The PROSPECTS Foundation via email.
