Bridlington Youngsters Encouraged to Become Green Influencers

Young people in Bridlington be inspired to follow in Greta Thunberg’s footsteps and become 'Green Influencers'

East Riding Voluntary Action Service has been awarded a grant of £18,000 to run a scheme which will see Green Influencers aged from 10 to 14-years-old spring up across East Riding of Yorkshire.

Lisa Harris has been appointed as the Green Mentor for the area. Lisa explains what the youngsters will be doing.

Lisa says youngsters have a keen interest in environmental change.

Through this scheme it's hoped young people will learn and build skills which will help them contribute to the local community through environmental action. Funding for the scheme has come from The Ernest Cook Trust national educational charity.

The pioneering 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 £25million seed funding to support young people to access high-quality social action opportunities.

Lisa Harris, said:

“We were delighted to receive the funding from The Ernest Cook Trust which will enable us to help young people from across the East Riding to support their communities with environmental projects.

“We’re honoured to be a host organisation for the Green Influencers Scheme which is being rolled out across England and we’re excited about the future because we know this will make a real difference to our communities.

“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.

“We’re sure that young people will step forward and join the scheme so we can work together to make sure it has a really positive impact on our communities.”

Over the next two years, under the Green Influencers Scheme, The Ernest Cook Trust will pay ERVAS £18,000 annually to fund the Green Mentor post to kick-start the programme with further financial support to ensure they instigate lasting change right across their communities.

The young environmental activists will be at the forefront of youth social action projects that will benefit schools and communities across England after The Ernest Cook Trust awarded grants worth a total of £720,000 to host organisations.

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 Ernest Cook Trust’s new funding programme will empower young people in East Riding of Yorkshire to follow in Greta’s footsteps and positively engage in environmental social action projects.

“The pandemic has a huge impact on the communities the Trust supports but by campaigning, fundraising and volunteering, the Green Influencers will create long-lasting benefits for everyone.”

The scheme is being rolled out nationwide following successful pilot schemes at Action for Conservation in London, East Riding Voluntary Action Services in East Riding of Yorkshire, Groundwork Greater Manchester, Groundwork Northamptonshire and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.

The initiative also gives participants a valuable opportunity to develop leadership skills. Nine people aged 14 to 20 are members of the Scheme’s Youth Advisory Board. They have steered strategic decision-making and will help select grant awards for Green Influencers projects.

Anyone interested in joining the Green Influencers Scheme should contact lisa@ervas.org.uk