Youth Environment Summit Somerset (YESS)

We invite all our students to take part in this Summit with amazing guest speakers, all from the comfort of your home, on Saturday 27th March 10.30am - 4.00pm via Zoom.

The YESS conference will comprise of a number of inspiring talks from some amazing guest speakers, from established conservationists to incredible young environmental leaders, followed by a chance to network and meet other like-minded people and then participate in a choice of interactive workshop sessions followed by a round up and Q&A session to discuss next steps. Throughout the day there will be plenty of breaks away from the screen.

Who can attend: All young people aged 11-18. Each will follow digital safeguarding guidelines to ensure a safe and inclusive online environment for all.

How you can take part: The conference is free for all our students to attend and tickets are available from Mrs Davison at: sdavison1@gapps.holyroodacdemy.com

Why: Young people across the world are becoming increasingly worried about the state of the planet they will inherit, climate change and wildlife becoming extinct are now real issues. Young people are now taking action; organising marches, going on climate strikes and doing their bit to stand up for nature.

Morning guest speakers include:
· Craig Bennett - Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts
· Dr. Mya-Rose Craig - Activist and founder of Black2Nature who campaigns on environmental issues and how to increase diversity in the environment sector
· Stephen Moss - Naturalist, author and President of Somerset Wildlife Trust
· Oban Mackie - Member of the Youth Parliament Somerset and environmental campaigner
· Hannah Paddison - Somerset representative of A Focus on Nature, a national movement of young people with environmental interests
· Katie Hodgetts – Global Youth Awards finalist and co-organiser of the Bristol Youth Strike 4 Climate movement
· Dr. Caroline Hickman - Lecturer at the University of Bath, psychotherapist with a focus on eco-anxiety and how to manage it

Provisional workshop programme:
· How to run successful environmental actions and campaigns in your community
· The use of social media and technology to support environmental messaging
· Increasing diversity and inclusion in environmental activities
· Intergenerational working, breaking down barriers between younger and older people to strengthen the environmental movement
· Eco-anxiety and how to manage it positively