‘In recent years, children and young people nationally and internationally have made loud their concerns about the pressing urgency of climate change. In Lewes, there has been a coordinated response across all the schools to take seriously these calls for action. Green United supports local student-driven action on environmental sustainability issues. Out of this work has come Green on Screen, the premier of 3 films made by 12 local students, at The Deport, 1030 to 1130 on 31st October.
Since the youth strikes in 2019, primary and secondary students from Lewes and neighbouring villages have been meeting regularly, with the support of teachers, parents and governors. Their passion has kept up the momentum despite Covid. The young people have identified key areas of concern and required action within schools, including on school food and waste, school grounds, transport around schools, wildlife education and eco living.
Green United, formed as a Community Interest Company in 2020, encourages organisations and individuals to give their time, talent (skills) or treasure (financial donations) to help address specific concerns identified by young people at a very local level. A Youth Board decides how best to allocate funds that are raised for projects and initiatives suggested by young people.
The Depot is delighted to be part of this community venture fostering young people’s democratic citizenship. They have been supporting 12 young people to make short films about issues that matter to them in a fun and creative way. The themes include Palm Oil, Ocean Pollution and Bees with expert resources provided by Daphne Lambert of the Greencuisine Trust, Lewes Climate Hub, Surfers Against Sewage, Plastic Free Seaford and Sussex Bees and Wasps Recording Group. It is hoped that the films will help to promote broader awareness and sustainability action in Lewes and beyond.
‘After attending a Green United meeting, we just couldn’t turn down the opportunity to support these passionate and committed young people to take climate action. We hope our contribution goes some way to creating a thriving future for the next generations.’ Natasha Padbury, Sustainability Manager, Depot.
Booking: https://lewesdepot.org/film/green-united
