Youth Work
Empowering young people to lead the change for nature.
We believe that young people are not just the future – they are the now. From transforming green spaces and influencing climate action to championing wildlife through creative activism, our youth work is about giving power, skills, and a platform to young voices who care.
What happens next is up to us.
Meet the Youth Workers
A team of artists, outdoor educators, activists and mentors—our youth workers bring passion, energy, and creativity to every project.
Josef (Joe) Ford
Youth Worker
The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.
Hi, I’m Joe! I’m a youth worker with a background in the arts, a love for fungi, and a passion for working alongside young people who care about the planet. I work across Northumberland, North Tyneside, and Newcastle, one of the officers leading the Eco-Influencers and Blue Influencers programmes.
Whether we’re transforming a green space, running a creative campaign, or just having a good chat about nature and what it means to us—I’m here to support you to lead, grow, and make a real difference in your environment and how we interact with our nature.
Rhiannon Studholme
Youth Worker
rhiannon.studholme@northwt.org.uk
Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.
Hi! I’m Rhiannon, an Eco Mentor with a background in social work. I’ve spent my whole career working alongside young people, and in 2024, I took a big step to follow my passion for the natural world. I now combine my experience with youth work and my love for the environment to support and inspire the next generation of changemakers.
One of the best parts of my role is hearing the incredible ideas that young people come up with – and helping turn those ideas into real-world action. I’ve been involved in both the Eco Influencers and Blue Influencers projects, and I’m always learning from the creativity and energy of the young people I work with.
This year, I’m especially excited to be co-designing and piloting a brand-new project in collaboration with 16–24-year-olds. I can’t wait to see where their ideas take us next!
Our Youth-Led Projects
Eco-Influencers
Young people across the inner west and east of Newcastle are taking the lead to make their green spaces greener, cleaner and more connected to nature. The projects support schools, youth clubs and community groups with 11-19-year-olds taking leadership of their own FULLY FUNDED eco-project.
From urban wildlife gardens to eco-campaigns and creative community events, this is about youth voice in action.
Funded by Newcastle Youth Fund
Examples:
Jesmond Park Academy: Beautiful Urban Garden Space aka BUGS
The Eco Influencers have turned an unused part of the school grounds into a shared space where nature and students can thrive together. A natural barrier, known as a dead hedge, separates a wildflower area—left untouched to support wildlife—from a calm, welcoming zone designed for learning and wellbeing.
The students have created a peaceful woodland path, fixed up broken bird boxes, set up a leaf mould composting area, and planted native UK woodland plants to boost biodiversity. It’s now a place to explore, relax, and reconnect with the natural world.
I think partaking in this club has really enlightened me to the deeper prospects of nature and has unlocked teamwork skills which I didn’t know I had. It has been an amazing journey and the progress is better than I would have expected.
Blue Influencers
Blue Influencers explore the connection between water, climate, and community. From pond-planting to tackling plastic pollution and restoring wild spaces near rivers, canals and coasts, this project supports 11–14-year-olds to take on water-themed environmental action. With a £360 grant to kickstart their ideas, the group will work together to create real, positive change in their local community. They’ll be able to apply for up to £5,000 to expand their projects!
If this sounds like a great fit for your group, let’s arrange a call or a visit to discuss how we can get started!
Funded by The Ernest Cook Trust and the #iWill Fund
Examples:
Byker primary school – Eco-warriors
The Eco Warriors have been busy transforming their school grounds into a space bursting with life! After surveying local wildlife with tree ID guides, binoculars, and bug-hunting kits, the group decided to grow native flowers and veg—planning to share the harvest with their community.
They explored global animals, then shifted focus to UK species, sparking creative ideas like murals, pollinator-friendly planting, and bird habitats.
Young People's Forum
Our forum brings together nature-loving 16-25-year-olds from across the region to shape what we do, share their ideas, and create new opportunities. From planning events to reviewing policies—we’re listening.
Don’t be afraid to dream big or think any project is too ambitious. Young people have lots of amazing ideas, and we want people to know that all these ideas can come true if you believe and work hard.
Why Youth Work Matters
This isn’t just about learning—it’s about leading. Our work helps young people:
Build confidence and communication skill
Gain hands-on experience in green careers
Make real change in their local wildlife
Feel part of something bigger
Schools, colleges, community groups and youth centres
Want to bring one of our projects to your school or group? We’d love to hear from you.
Image by: Penny Dixie
Young People's Forum
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Image by: Paul Harris/2020VISION.
Volunteering
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Building a bird box © Broni Lloyd-Edwards
Nextdoor Nature
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Image by: Simon Greener.
Education
Find out moreFunders
Eco-Influencers Funded by Newcastle Youth Fund (Newcastle City Council and The National Lottery Community Fund).
Blue Influencers Funded by The Ernest Cook Trust and the #iWill Fund (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and The National Lottery Community Fund).