New Programme Aims to Unlock the Power of Communities in Wales to Tackle Climate Change
Added: (Wed Feb 01 2023)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
Communities in Wales are getting a helping hand to tackle the climate emergency with a new program called Egin, launching today and running until 2029. Community groups, organisations and charities will be matched with Peer Mentors, who can help them to focus on local solutions to the global problem of climate change. Eligible groups will be able to apply for up to £15,000 through The National Lottery Community Fund to bring their ideas to life.
"Egin is about inspiring, facilitating and linking up communities with others for mutual support. One thing we know for sure is we can't tackle climate change all by ourselves, we all need the help of others - and that's what our new Egin program is all about" said Matt Swan, Joint Head of Outreach & Engagement at DTA Wales.
The word "Egin" means shoots or sprouts in Welsh, and the aim is to help new ideas to generate and take root, empowering communities to come together and talk about the changes they want to see. Egin aims to focus on groups that are likely to be the most affected by climate change, yet are the least likely to feel included in conversations around climate. Everybody’s voice will be heard and respected. The programme is run in both Welsh and English, with Facilitators located all over Wales ready to reach into existing communities and start discussions and make plans.
"We are thrilled to be involved with Egin and care very passionately about the climate change ambitions this program has for Wales. We believe everyone in society must be included for long term sustainability and to raise awareness on such a vital topic. We hope to see more people and groups than ever before, joining in with this important message and know Egin will amplify the voices of all in Wales on climate change," said Lee Tiratira, Strategic Youth Lead at EYST (Ethnic Minorities & Youth Support Team Wales), one of Egin’s partner organisations.
Groups who join the programme will be able to access up to 3 days of Peer Mentoring, selecting from a pool of experienced mentors across Wales with skills and expertise in topics such as setting up community gardens, renewable energy, community buildings and public transport. They will also gain access to a new online community where they can share ideas, discuss issues and connect with other groups. Groups mentored through Egin can develop proposals for their local area and can apply for grants of up to £15,000 from the Sustainable Steps Wales – Egin grants, funded through the Dormant Accounts Scheme and administered by The National Lottery Community Fund.
Egin is a partnership led by the Development Trusts Association Wales (DTA Wales), working with EYST (Ethnic Minorities & Youth Support Team Wales), Severn Wye Energy Agency and Co-Production Network Cymru. Egin was set up using a grant from The National Lottery Community Fund using money from the Dormant Accounts scheme (money left untouched in banks and in building societies for longer than 15 years which is then redistributed to good causes). DTA Wales was also the organisation behind Renew Wales, which from 2012 to 2022 enabled hundreds of communities to take action on climate change.
Anybody interested in getting involved can email egin@dtawales.org.uk or visit www.egin.org.uk to find out more.