Withington and Old Moat Environmental Youth Group

Withington were pleased to host the first Withington and Old Moat Environmental Youth Group on 18 November 2021. The group was run by Gavin Evans, the Neighbourhood Manager for Withington and Old Moat, and our local Neighbourhood Officers. We welcomed 7 local primary schools as well as other members of the council, including the Climate Change Officer to Withington.

Discussions included what things schools had done to reduce their carbon footprint and suggestions on how we might influence others living or working in Withington and Old Moat to reduce their carbon footprint. Finally, schools were asked to sign a pledge to become part of the Withington and Old Moat Environmental Youth Group.

All the pupils were very enthusiastic and collaboratively came up with some excellent ideas and we look forward to working with the other local schools on this exciting collaboration.

Aims

To work with schools in the local neighbourhood to tackle Climate Change together.

At the first meeting in November 2021, there were some amazing suggestions, but two key priorities agreed as being the most important by the group were to:
1. Organise a Climate Change Event to raise awareness. Possibly backed by a celebrity or well- known advocate for the environment.
2. Make a film and use social media to send key messages to local communities about Climate Change.

The group will benefit the pupils as they develop skills such as confidence and teamwork as they work collaboratively to combat Climate Change as well as deepen their knowledge of Climate Change. It will also directly benefit the local community as the priorities of the group are to promote climate change activities that benefit the local neighbourhood.

Background

Withington was approached by Gavin Evans, the local neighbourhood officer for Withington and Old Moat, and asked if we wanted to participate in the Withington and Old Moat Environmental Youth Group. We were delighted to be able to host the first meeting and provide a free packed lunch to all 50 attendees from maintained primary schools.

We held the first meeting in November 2021 and are looking forward to the next meeting scheduled in February 2022.

Resources

Withington hosted the first meeting. We met in the Junior School Hall. We provided a free packed lunch to all attendees.

Impact

The first meeting was held in November 2021 and the following two key priorities were agreed as being the most important:
1. Organise a Climate Change Event to raise awareness. Possibly backed by a celebrity or well known advocate for the environment.
2. Make a film and use social media to send key messages about Climate Change.

We look forward to the meeting in February 2022 where, together with the partner schools, we can continue to plan for the above two points. Once further plans have been put in place their impact can be evaluated.

We also anticipate that the group will develop increased confidence in pupils and an increased knowledge and enthusiasm for environmental issues. It will also further develop the links between Withington, the partner schools and Manchester City Council.

The children were all very enthusiastic during the first meeting and it was lovely to see the collaboration of ideas. Pupils also had the opportunity to share their work with the group and develop their self-confidence by presenting posters and reading out pieces they had written to the group.

Pupil Involvement

Three Year 12 pupils from Withington supported the event. We also had 3 of our Year 5 and 6 pupils. In addition, the event was attended by members of the council and primary school pupils from 7 local maintained schools. Each school brought between 3 and 6 Year 5 and 6 pupils.

Adult Attendees:

Neighbourhood manager for Withington, Old Moat & Fallowfield

Neighbourhood officer for Old Moat

Neighbourhood officer for Withington

Climate Change Neighbourhood Officer

Head of MCC Neighbourhoods)

Cllr Becky Chambers (Withington)

Cllr Garry Bridges (Old Moat)

Southway Housing Energy Buddie

Participating schools:

Mcr Muslim Preparatory School

Old Moat Primary School

Ladybarn Primary School

West Didsbury Primary School

Mauldeth Rd Primary School

St Cuthbert’s Primary School

St Paul’s Primary School

Frequency

The first meeting was held in November 2021.The next is due to be held in February 2022. We expect the meetings to be held termly thereafter.