Making climate action 'meet everyday needs'

Environmental scientists are excited about a new scheme on Merseyside which combats climate change by meeting people’s everyday needs.

A LJMU team will monitor community-led projects which support residents to save money on energy and food bills, reduce their carbon footprint and build stronger communities.

The Thriving Communities programme is coordinated by Wirral Council after bidding for £1.6m from the National Lottery.

Monitoring and evaluation the scheme is Dr Neil Simcock, of the Liverpool Research Institute for Climate and Sustainability, who said: “We are excited to be part of this consortium, which has the potential to make a real and lasting difference to people and the environment, in the Wirral and beyond.”

Everyday needs

The three-year programme is built around the idea that climate action works best when it helps people meet their everyday needs. It aims to engage 14,000 residents in community development-centred climate action, lower the weekly food bills of 570 households, reduce the energy bills for 620 households and 72 community organisations and take five community energy projects to business case stage.

It also will help 3,500 residents achieve improved mental wellbeing and increase physical activity amongst 200 residents.

Cllr Max Booth, Chair of Wirral Council’s Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee, says: “By focusing on the practical benefits of climate action, we hope to inspire long-term participation and create positive change that residents can see and feel in their daily lives.

“As well as delivering direct benefits for individuals and families, the projects being delivered under Thriving Communities will help strengthen community resilience, support local leadership and build the skills and confidence needed for communities to shape their own futures.”

Thriving Communities

The Thriving Communities programme will be monitored and evaluated by experts from Liverpool John Moores University.

The LJMU team, which includes Dr Kezia Barker, will set up a framework where partners collect data for inclusion in a Power BI dashboard established by Wirral Council. Alongside this, in-depth qualitative research will be undertaken to garner a detailed understanding of participants’ experiences of the programme.

Dr Simcock added “We will provide rigorous evaluation to help ensure the programme maximises its impact.”

Local organisations involved in the Thriving Communities programme include Callister Trust, Compost Works, Energy Projects Plus, Faiths4Change, Grow Wellbeing CIC, Joint Rotary Environment Group Heswall, Options for Supported Living, St Vincent’s Centre Wirral, Wirral Environmental Network, Wirral Forest: Wellbeing CIC, Wirral Repair Café.