County Durham charity has been awarded funding to develop youth projects, focused on inspiring young people to engage with, and act on the climate emergency.

Building Self-Belief CIO has been granted funding by the Energy Saving Trust Foundation’s Youth Climate Action Fund - part funded by Airbnb.

The award will allow Building Self Belief to deliver their ‘Tow Law Eco-Youth Ambassadors’ project in County Durham, alongside children from its community partners at Tow Law Millennium Primary School and Blessed John Ducket Catholic Primary School.

The Northern Echo: Building Self Belief will deliver their ‘Tow Law Eco-Youth Ambassadors’ project, alongside

The project focuses on enabling and empowering young people to preserve and enhance their shared environment, culminating in a community celebration event and documentary film to educate the wider community about environmental issues.

Christine Thomas, CEO of Building Self-Belief said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the support of the Energy Saving Trust Foundation in supporting the ‘Tow Law Eco-Youth Ambassadors’ Project’ across the next two years.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to support the understanding of local young people around sustainability and the environment, whilst developing their self-confidence so that they can take a lead in addressing these vital issues in the future.”

The children from Tow Law are really looking forward to making a difference around the environment and have spoken up about their enthusiasm for the scheme.

The Northern Echo: Building Self Belief will deliver their ‘Tow Law Eco-Youth Ambassadors’ project, alongside

Pupils have said: “I want to educate people in this project about how to help our world to become a greener and healthier place to live.” And:“I think I'll be really good at thinking of ideas to help to protect our Earth and I look forward to helping others to get involved.”

These awards are part of the first round of national funding awarded by the Energy Saving Trust Foundation’s Youth Climate Action Fund which is part-funded by Airbnb, following a successful pilot launch in the West Midlands last year.

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Jim Metcalfe, chair of the Energy Saving Trust Foundation, said: “Young people across the UK are committed to tackling the climate emergency.

“Our aim as a Foundation is to back young people to feel confident about taking climate action because we know that many may not have the opportunities and tools to get started, especially if they are experiencing social exclusion.

“We’re proud to announce the charities and organisations across the country who we will be working with over the next two years to deliver climate-focused projects in local communities.”

The Foundation is also supporting AutismAble in South Shields and Three13 Training and Enterprise Ltd in Tees valley will each be receiving two-year grants of up to £40,000 to continue and expand their important work.