The Wilder Youth project gets underway with the first two drop-in events in January 2023, thanks to £24,725 of funding awarded by UHNM Charity and NHS Charities Together.

The Trust’s Wild Wellbeing lead, Alexis Johnson, will deliver this exciting 18-month project which aims to bring together and empower a group of youngsters to make positive change. The project is unique in that the young people will choose the focus. Staff from Staffordshire Wildlife Trust will provide learning, training, and venues for events (which will be online and in person), and any other guidance the young activists need.

Whilst preparations have been going on behind the scenes for a couple months the first events will run in the New Year.  A virtual Q&A session about how to get involved will run between 4pm and 6pm on Friday 6 January. This will be followed by an informal meet and greet session at The Wolseley Centre on Friday 27 January, between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

Alexis said: “It can be isolating when you’re trying to speak out about environmental issues. In fact, just being a young person can be very lonely! We want to bring youth people who care about our environment together in a safe space to work together, and we can't wait to get started.

“We’re calling out to parents, teachers, youth workers… If you know or work with a young person or youth group who you think would be interested, please share this opportunity with them and encourage them to get in touch.”

Book on to one or both of the events online via Eventbrite, or register your interest and availability via Google Form here. Young people can also call, text or email Alexis on 07415092713/01889 880 100 and a.johnson@staffs-wildlife.org.uk or getwild@staffs-wildlife.org.uk