The unprecedented outbreak of Coronavirus is a public health emergency of international concern. In a matter of days, our lives and work have changed. We welcome measures taken by the UK government to halt the spread of the virus which are much needed to protect all of us, especially our elders and vulnerable people with underlying conditions.
It has also demanded a rethink of our behaviours and the ways in which we socialise, connect with nature, volunteer and work. In these challenging times, the role that the voluntary sector plays to make sure communities stay resilient, united and well connected with nature is of vital importance, throughout the pandemic and far after the end of it.
Of course, the wonderful Our Bright Future projects are playing their part by supporting young people in connecting with each other and with each other, nature and the environment, and they continue leading positive change for their local communities and environment.
Important news from our funders
Therefore, it is reassuring that the National Lottery Community Fund has pledged to continue to deliver their services to applicants, grant holders and communities across the UK as normally as they can. Such flexibility and understanding of the difficulties that the Our Bright Future projects might encounter in the weeks and months ahead is incredibly encouraging.
It’s not an overstatement to say that all of us are still trying to find our way through these uncertain times. Many of those who are able to are starting to seek new ways to be resourceful and creative. Here in the programme team, we will continue to support all projects . We are here to help you think about alternate ways of engaging with young people and to make sure that young people are still playing a key role in designing activities, influencing policy making and acting as catalysts for delivering change.
These resources may also be of value to share with young people and youth workers:
COVID-19 – What is it? What’s it all about?
If you would like some questions answered on COVID-19 you can:
A website designed by to bring together relevant advice, guidance, support and tools for youth workers, young people and organisations during the COVID 19 pandemic.
Information and resources for young people and the sectors that support them from #iwill campaign partners and their wider networks. It also contains a running feed of the ways young people are responding to this crisis.
Resource of digital tools, tips and strategies to enable the third and youth sector (voluntary and maintained) in Wales to work better through the use of digital.
As we all move slowly through these uncharted territories, the team will continue to provide that important space for Our Bright Future projects to share what is working, what does not, and how things can be adjusted – together we can still achieve our goals both for the environment and the young people involved in the programme and beyond.
Finally, to all the young people involved in projects – there’s no need for the health crisis to keep you away from nature entirely! There are a lot of exciting resources and opportunities online, including those ones created by Our Bright Future projects. For example, Belfast Hills Partnership is creating a series of short videos with environmental based activities called #hillsathome, and Myplace is developing interactive live sessions.
And to the Our Bright Future project leaders and teams – please keep sharing your questions, doubts, ideas and solutions with us. We will find a way forward together.
