The Environmental Education Centres based on land next to National Grid electricity substations, will share almost £365,000 of funding to support volunteering opportunities in their area of the country.
National Grid is a keen supporter of the government’s initiative of encouraging young people to undertake where appropriate, more vocational forms of study and to engage them in volunteering opportunities. BTCV, partner organisation at the Skelton Grange Centre near Leeds, played a pivotal role in obtaining half of the funding from v, the youth volunteering charity whose mission is to inspire a new generation of young volunteers aged 16-25.
The charity launched in May 2006, was set up to implement the recommendations of the Russell Commission outlining a new national framework for youth action and engagement, following a nationwide consultation which included 6000 young people. It works with current voluntary sector infrastructure, funds the creation of volunteering opportunities through grants and implements programmes to create awareness and positive understanding of volunteering for young people. The remaining funds are provided through matched support from National Grid.
The assistance provided by v will allow the centres to support young unemployed volunteers for placements of up to 6 months each. The first recruits are expected to start later this autumn, with more joining in the summer next year. Volunteers will be able to lend a hand on a wide range of activities benefiting the community, including environmental education for young people and practical conservation activities improving local environments and biodiversity.
Welcoming more than 90,000 visitors a year and recognised as centres of excellence for environmental education, the network of six centres has been developed in partnership with local authorities and environmental charities, demonstrating how industry and the environment can co-exist to the benefit of everyone.
Primarily used to provide outdoor education for school children, the centres offer imaginative activities designed to support key National Curriculum targets. In addition, the sites are often used for community groups, environmental education, life-long learning and environmental training for local business. Outreach programmes are also delivered from a number of the centres addressing waste reduction, recycling and energy efficiency issues.