It’s a year since we started our Climate for Communities programme and during this time we have learnt so much!
We’ve spent the first year working with our partners to really understand what the barriers and opportunities are by:
- moving at ‘the speed of trust’ and using asset -based community development principles
- asking what communities think and feel about climate and nature
- testing climate action activities with communities to find out what works and how to make these inclusive; so that all of our communities can get involved
What we’re learnt so far from our partnership communities:
- Themes of guilt, worry about the cost of living and mental health challenges have been expressed, against a backdrop of lots of positive climate and nature action already happening, at individual and community level.
- People are already doing a lot that counts as climate action, but don’t talk about it in that way because they are focusing on other motivators like mental and physical health; saving money; being resourceful; valuing surroundings and communities, as well as connecting with others. Tapping into and highlighting key motivators help people take small steps that add up.
- Climate focussed language can be confusing, inaccessible and off putting – this is why we are co-creating a glossary and collaborating to make conversations relevant.
Some highlights from this year:
The Green Champions programme was attended by 10 community organisations, supporting them to undertake the Investors in the Environment course and implement sustainability initiatives within their organisations.
Our first Green Careers Fair was held earlier this year to share volunteering, learning and green job information with people who aren’t usually involved in the climate and nature world. Stands included green businesses, community groups, local entrepreneurs and learning providers. Over 100 people attended the event. We’ve gathered lots of feedback to help us develop future events.
The Carers Centre, Possability People and Speak Out collaborated on a litter pick in Preston Park inviting their members to take part in collecting and sorting litter, as well as hearing from the Biosphere Manager and a Wildlife officer about the impact of litter on our environment.
BHCC Schools worked with parents, carers and families in Whitehawk to plant trees at, set up a gardening club at St Mark’s CE Primary School and arranged a sewing workshop and visit to the Scrap Space with Whitehawk Multicultural Women’s Group.
What next?
We will need to:
- change the image of climate action and make it relevant to our communities because there is a lack of diversity and inclusion in the ‘green’ sector; another barrier to communities getting involved.
- celebrate what’s already happening in communities
- create climate and nature action activities and opportunities that are centred on health and wellbeing and/or the cost of living with a social element.
- share our learning with other climate and nature groups and organisations so that they can identify ways to promote and make their activities inclusive for all our communities.
Supporting and encouraging our communities to feel like climate and nature action is for them is key to our approach. This will involve working with partners to listen and co-design accessible and truly inclusive activities within our communities, weaving in aspects of climate action so that it is not off-putting. Over time confidence will grow and our communities will seek opportunities to be involved and perhaps lead climate action activities.
