Young Cumbrians aged 11 – 18 are being invited to a free day of activities and workshops in Penrith to talk about climate issues.

The event, which takes place on Wed 27 Jul, will provide an opportunity for young people who care about climate change to meet like-minded peers to discuss the environment alongside positive input from a host of organisations.

The planned activities will aim to make the young people feel supported, and validate them to make changes in their own lives for the benefit of the planet.

A carousel of different events to empower the voices of the attendees will include things like a clothes swap to highlight the issue of fast fashion. Previously, young Cumbrians have identified this as one of their concerns.

There will also be workshops with Lakeland Arts and poet Matt Sowerby will lead a session on dealing with eco-anxiety. The young people will even have a chance to cycle on a smoothie making bike!

Additionally, a sociology professor will attend the event to discuss ideas around sustainable transport, and share their thoughts on how to get around using less carbon. This ties into the DecarboN8 network which is seeking youth input from across the North of England.

There will be a free lunch during which the attendees will have the chance to chat to organisations displaying their own climate initiatives at stalls.

We hope to provide free coach transport to the event from key locations in Cumbria. This will depend on relative demand from different parts of the county. If you are interested in coming to the Youth Climate Fest, please contact ceri.holman@cafs.org.uk

The event is a collaboration between CAfS, CDEC, Cumbria County Council and Lakeland Arts.