Climate Changemaker project seeks passionate Cheltenham residents to make real change

The Climate Changemaker project is looking for ten individuals, who are well connected to their communities, to be part of an exciting pilot climate action project. Applicants don't need to be climate experts, they only need to know their local area well, and have an appetite for making things happen.

Participants will be supported in a peer-led learning journey to help them put an idea into action that will make their part of Cheltenham better for both people and planet.

Applicants need to be 18 or over, and able to commit to all, or most, of the key dates for the ‘learning and doing’ journey.

Applications are open until the end of the day 22 March 2023 and can be found on the council’s website: haveyoursay.cheltenham.gov.uk/climate/climate-changemakers  Printed copies of the application can be requested by emailing [email protected].

Cllr Alisha Lewis, cabinet lead for Climate at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local residents interested in working within their communities to help combat climate change. Our climate emergency action plan - which is one of our key priorities – sets out our aims to achieve net zero for Cheltenham by 2030 and we hope that this project can contribute towards this ambition.”

Planet Cheltenham lead, Raechel Kelly, said “I'm incredibly excited to be hosting this second peer-led learning journey in Cheltenham following on from the success of the Planet Cheltenham Doughnut Economics group last year. This journey aims to multiply the power of individuals by empowering and enabling them to learn, share and connect with others. Residents know their parts of town better than anyone, and are best placed to create projects that make their part of town better for people and the planet.

“Many people can feel overwhelmed when they learn about climate change, this journey aims to focus on the solutions that are all around us and support citizens in being the change they want to see.”

Cllr David Gray, cabinet member for environment and planning at Gloucestershire County Council said: “Supporting residents to take local action on climate change is a key part of our plans to create a Greener Gloucestershire. We are excited to take part in this project and empower communities to lead changes that reduce carbon emissions.”

Find out more about the council’s climate emergency work to become a net zero carbon council and borough by 2030 on the council’s website: www.cheltenham.gov.uk/climate.

For media enquiries, contact: communications, telephone -1242 264154, email [email protected]

Notes:
For more information about Planet Cheltenham, visit www.planetcheltenham.org.

Who is encouraged to apply?

• Individuals over the age of 18 who are active and connected in their communities. That could be in a geographical community (i.e. St Paul's), a school or scout group, a running group, or on your local street. It doesn't matter, what does matter is that they feel connected to those individuals who form their community networks. 
• Applicants who live in Cheltenham.
• Applicants who can make all (or preferably the majority) of the session dates
• Applicants from under represented communities

If required, financial support (such as with childcare or travel) can be made available to help individuals attend sessions. 

Session dates:

Kick off
Tuesday 18 April from 5pm to 8pm
The Wilson art gallery & museum

Learning phase
Tuesday 25 April, 9 May, 23 May, 6 June, 20 June, 4 July from 6.30pm to 8pm
Town centre venue tbc

Idea away day
Tuesday 18 July from 9am to 2pm
Hawkwood Centre for Future Thinking

Power up day
Saturday 16 September from 10am to 1pm
Town centre venue tbc

Doing phase: bringing projects to life!
Tuesday 12 September, 26 September, 10 October, 24 October from 6.30pm to 8pm
Town centre venue tbc

Showcase event
Tuesday 14 November from 6pm to 8pm
The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum.