- Over 100 programme graduates celebrated at Queen’s University Belfast
- Over 200 pledges to improve sustainability made to this point
- Potential carbon emission savings are estimated at 350 tonnes
Live Here Love Here and Positive Futures yesterday hosted an event for graduates of the Caring for our World programme– Northern Ireland’s first climate awareness training for people with a learning disability.
Over 100 people have completed the training since its launch in January of this year. Many graduates attended a ceremony yesterday in the Whitla Hall at Queen’s University Belfast, supported by the University’s Centre for Sustainability, Equality and Climate Action.
The Caring for our World initiative was launched as a partnership between Live Here Love Here and Positive Futures and delivers free, accessible climate and sustainability training to organisations supporting people with a learning disability. The training takes a two-step approach, with staff educated and certified initially. They then use the flexible resources provided to educate and certify the people with a learning disability they support, empowering them to take meaningful climate action.
Mainstay DRP, based in Downpatrick, is one of the organisations to have used the training, with two cohorts of participants graduating yesterday. Since completing the training, people supported by Mainstay have been recycling more carefully, thinking differently about energy use by taking actions such as switching off lights and encouraging others to do the same.
Donna, who participated in the course said:
“I didn’t realise there were so many small things I could do to help the environment like cleaning the beach, recycling and turning the tap off when you’re brushing your teeth. It makes me feel proud that I’m doing my bit.”
Each person certified in Caring for Our World has been supported in making changes in their daily living to reduce impact on the planet. Over 200 pledges to improve sustainability have been made to date – equating to an estimated saving of 350 tonnes of carbon emissions. Pledges have included activities like growing vegetables, reducing food waste, using public transport and talking to friends and family about changes they can make.
This programme is funded through the carrier bag levy by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), as part of the Live Here Love Here Climate Ready Project which supports climate education and sustainability initiatives across Northern Ireland.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA said:
“I would like to congratulate everyone graduating from the Caring for Our World programme.
Yesterday’s event recognises the enthusiasm, commitment, and achievements of all those who have completed the programme. It is inspiring to see so many participants developing the knowledge, skills and confidence to take practical steps to help shape a more sustainable future.
I am delighted that my Department has been able to support this initiative, through the Carrier Bag Levy Fund. This has resulted in a strong partnership between Live Here Love Here and Positive Futures which has enabled more people to be empowered to play an active role in creating a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future for Northern Ireland.
I would like to thank everyone involved in making the programme such a success and wish all graduates every success as they continue on their sustainability journey.”
Scott Howes of Live Here Love Here said:
“We had high expectations when we launched the Caring for our World programme, and this year’s graduates have exceeded them all. The level of interest and engagement proves the need for initiatives such as this to ensure that climate action discussions are inclusive and open to all in our community.
I want to congratulate all of this year’s graduates and the partners who have helped make Caring for our World such a success. I know the skills and experience everyone has gained from this programme will benefit our community for years to come”
Positive Futures Chief Executive, Dr Agnes Lunny added:
“This programme demonstrates what is possible when people are given the right information, support and opportunity to act. The 200 behaviour changes made by participants may seem small individually but together have created a significant environmental impact. The programme has empowered people with a learning disability and social care staff to become advocates for sustainability within their homes, services and communities.
Many of the people we support have indicated interest in other nature-based or conservation activities since completing the training. We could not be more proud of what they all have achieved.”
To find out more visit www.liveherelovehere.org