Celebrating over 100 Young Environmental Leaders across Merseyside

AS 'International Youth Day' approaches this Sunday; thousands of 11 to 24 year olds across the UK have been equipped to make a difference in their local communities and for the environment, thanks to the National Lottery funded:- 'Our Bright Future' programme. Led by The Wildlife Trusts, almost 80,000 young people have signed up to creating a greener future, smashing the programme’s original target of 60,000 young people being involved.

Stephanie Hilborne, OBE, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts said:- "Every generation has what it takes to create real positive change. It is simply a matter of people having the confidence and support to do so. This programme us about just that; fuelling the creativity, inspiration and resilience of our young people. And in the face of escalating environmental challenge, it has never been more important."

There are 31 projects across the UK. Each has received approximately ₤1 million of National Lottery funding from the:- 'Big Lottery Fund,' the largest funder of community activity in the UK.

Each project; from beekeeping, to sustainable construction and setting up social enterprises, young people gain training, skills and confidence; motivating them to make a difference in their own lives and improve the communities and environment around them.

Across Merseyside the 'BEE You Project' is a 5 year programme partnership project led by Blackburne House enabling young people 16 to 24 years old to become bee keepers and develop hive sites via their School, college or community garden space. Partners include:- South Liverpool Homes, John Lennon Airport, Myerscough College, St. Hilda’s and St. Nicholas College, Speke.

"It's an amazing opportunity to learn and grow from a group of likeminded people. I can really see myself developing my eco social enterprise idea. The 6-month course sounds like a great opportunity and another one I feel extremely privileged and thankful to considered for."  Aaron Wheeler, BEE You Project beekeeping qualified student and Our Bright Future Youth Forum Ambassador

Our next 'Beekeeping Taster Day' is 15 August 2018, from 10am to 3pm, at Norton Priory, Tudor Road, Windmill Hill, Runcorn, WA7 1SX, but you must send them an  email to reserve your place.

Working with School for Social Entrepreneurs NW (SSE NW) young people learn about how and what a social enterprise is and how they can go about starting up their own enterprises. The Eco Social Enterprise Start Up Programme, for 16 to 24 years old, across Merseyside and the North West is open for:- OurBrightFuture.Co.UK  BlackBurneHouse.Co.UK applications with the deadline 10 August 2018, at 4pm. Please send them an email for an application pack.

More than 1,200 community green spaces across the have been formed or improved, including:- planting orchards at hostels for the homeless and planting gardens for Schools. These projects not only give young people a sense of achievement and pride in their local areas, but also provide habitats for wildlife.

Peter Ainsworth, Chair, Big Lottery Fund said:- "Thanks to the National Lottery players, Our Bright Future is unleashing young people’s ambition to make a personal and collective contribution to making our environment brighter, happier and more resilient to threats like climate change and the waste of natural resources."

Tattoo Fixers New Artists + Looking for applicants from your area

BACK with a fresh line up; E4’s Tattoo Fixers is now taking applications for a brand new series that will start filming this Autumn. Participants will have the chance to have their disaster inks transformed into works of art by four top tattoo artists in the UK including brothers Pash and Uzzi who will be joining Sketch, Alice and receptionist Paisley, as they tackle and transform the country's most shocking, outrageous and embarrassing tattoos.

Pash, 30 and Uzzi 27 from Plymouth have been tattooing for 13 and 6 years respectively and specialise in realism. So far, their careers have taken them from London, to Mozambique and now back to Plymouth where they have their own studio; White Room Tattoo, which has been open for 18 months.

Pash Canby said:- "Cover ups are almost always a challenge, and I’m not sure if I’m prepared for some of the disasters to come! However I’m totally excited to help people get over their tattoo nightmares, I’m also looking forward to meeting the clients behind these crazy decisions and being a part of something that showcases what I’m passionate about."

Uzzi Canby said:- "Joining the Tattoo Fixers team is awesome! Of course there will be challenges, but I’m looking forward to taking them on and applying my art and tattoo skills into covering up some of the nations most embarrassing and shocking tattoos! And hopefully helping to heal some mental scars for our clients along the way."

Pash and Uzzi are the latest Tattoo Artists to join the hugely successful E4 series, following Jay and Glen’s decision to leave to pursue other opportunities.

Anyone interested in taking part in the show should apply via the Tattoo Fixers take part page.