The Green Influencers Scheme is run by The Ernest Cook Trust, a national educational charity, which granted host organisations funding to support the employment of 44 Green Mentors. The Green Mentors’ role is to enable young people to lead the way as ‘Green Influencers’ on social action projects within their communities.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust, which has over 60 nature reserves in Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside, is among the 37 host organisations and so far, its Green Mentor Demmi Robinson has been able to support and engage 71 Green Influencers in these areas.

Across England, there are now 1,500 Green Influencers and the scheme is on target to enlist 5,000 young people between the ages of 10 and 14 to improve the environment for their schools and communities.

With COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference starting on October 31 2021, and world leaders gathering in Glasgow to discuss global climate issues, the Green Influencers Scheme is demonstrating how young people are already trying to make a difference by getting involved with their environment and improving the communities they live in.

The 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 £27million seed funding to support young people to access high-quality social action opportunities.

Green Mentor Demmi Robinson said: “Even with the challenge of COVID-19, I have been so impressed with the commitment and enthusiasm of these young Green Influencers. Their ideas are very creative and each individual has shown a passion in creating positive changes to the environment they live in, which will benefit many communities.

“While the world talks about the climate crisis, the young people of our county are getting out there to drive change and make a difference.”

Green Influencer-led projects in this area include groups from North Tyne Youth in Otterburn, New York Primary School and Marden High Schools in North Tyneside, Gosforth East Middle School in Gosforth, Northbourne Youth Initiative in Elswick and the Mission Initiative Newcastle East (MINE) Youth project in Byker. The Green Infuencers Scheme has recently started working with the Haltwhistle Youth project.

The group of pupils at Marden High School (North Tyneside) have spent funding to create a well-being garden on the school field for pupils and staff to enjoy. They will continue to develop the project to support wildlife and the environment as well as raising awareness for environmental issues. The groups of Green Influencers from Gosforth East Middle School and New York Primary School will be building eco-classrooms from eco bricks that will be powered by green energy.

Dr Victoria Edwards OBE, Chief Executive of The Ernest Cook Trust, said:

“What’s significant about the Green Influencers Scheme is the reach it has, and we are thrilled to be on course to enlisting 5,000 young people. The enthusiasm of those involved is inspiring, and we have been so impressed with their ideas and their creativity. We are very grateful to the Green Mentors for the guidance they are giving.

Any schools, youth clubs, community centres or community projects interested in joining the Green Influencers Scheme and receiving free support from Demmi, via the Ernest Cook Trust should contact her at: demmi.robinson@northwt.org.uk