Welsh Government cash for charities to take action on Climate Change Emergency

Four organisations from across Wales have been awarded funding to develop projects focused on inspiring young people to engage with, and take action on, the climate emergency. The grants have been awarded by the Energy Saving Trust Foundation’s Youth Climate Action Fund which is part funded by Airbnb.

The Foundation is pleased to announce that South Riverside Community Development Centre in Cardiff, Swansea MAD, Windswept in South Pembrokeshire and Youth Cymru will each be receiving two-year grants of up to £40,000 to continue and expand their important work.

The successful initiatives include a project that works with young people and their families to create a bilingual climate change computer game, a marine conservation programme, and a range of creative workshops to support young people experiencing inequality to take action on the climate emergency1.

Jim Metcalfe, chair of the Energy Saving Trust Foundation, said: “Young people across the UK are committed to tackling the climate emergency. Our aim as a Foundation is to back young people to feel confident about taking climate action because we know that many may not have the opportunities and tools to get started, especially if they are experiencing social exclusion. We’re proud to announce the charities and organisations across the country who we will be working with over the next two years to deliver climate-focused projects in local communities.”

Amanda Cupples, General Manager for Northern Europe at Airbnb, said: “Young people have an important role to play as the next generation of climate leaders. We are proud to support organisations that are inspiring and equipping young people with the tools they need to drive change in their communities and beyond.”

South Riverside Community Development Centre will work with young people and their families through a series of visits that will inspire the young people to design and develop a bilingual climate change computer game for schools.

A spokesperson from the South Riverside Community Development Centre said: “This project will use creative arts to bring information about climate change to a wider and more diverse range of children and young people, including those living in households where English is not the main language spoken.

“Inviting family groups to participate and learn together can be powerful and we want to create an environment where children and young people will be the main agents for change, giving them the tools to educate and influence their parents and their peers when it comes to making the economic and lifestyle choices that have a bearing on climate change.

“By creating a computer game about climate change which encourages players to reduce their carbon footprint, participants in the project will also get to spread information to a wider group of young people.”

SWANSEA MAD will deliver a range of creative workshops to educate, inspire and support young people experiencing inequality to take action on the climate emergency.

Rachel Benson from the grassroots youth and community charity said: “Swansea MAD are really looking forward to being part of the Youth Climate Action fund programme. Supported by the Energy Saving trust Foundation, we’ll be facilitating creative opportunities for young people to express themselves and the things which matter to them, and to take action on the climate emergency.”

Community Interest Company, Windswept, based in South Pembrokeshire, will be using the funding awarded to deliver a marine conservation programme. This will focus on enabling young people to learn new skills in conservation and seagrass restoration, helping to kickstart careers in the outdoor and environmental sector.

Sarah Bagley, Director at Windswept CIC said: “We are excited to be partnering with the Energy Saving Trust Foundation and community partners in Pembrokeshire to deliver this fantastic training programme where young people will have the opportunity to gain qualifications, experience and jobs in the Marine and Environmental Industry.”

Youth Cymru is a Wales-wide youth work charity which will use its funding to engage young people in sustainability workshops, youth led social action projects and digital campaigns in Newport and Wrexham.

These awards are part of the first round of national funding awarded by the Energy Saving Trust Foundation’s Youth Climate Action Fund which is part funded by Airbnb. This follows a successful pilot launch in the West Midlands last year.

Charities and community interest groups from across the UK that might be interested in future funding opportunities are encouraged to look out for further communication from the Foundation or visit https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/the-foundation