Youth Voice

Climate change anxiety, changing or absent farming schemes, lack of affordable housing and reliable transport leading to isolation, are some of the issues impacting young people here in Cumbria, and in some cases pushing them out of the county to live elsewhere. It is, therefore, essential that we enable young people to build their connection with the Cumbrian landscape, have their say on the issues, and open doors for future employment. Campaign for National Parks report that there are currently no consistent ways for young people to have their say on issues that are impacting them within national parks. There’s also less than 3% of charity trustees in the UK under the age of 30 (Young Trustees Movement). Friends of the Lake District would like to help bridge this gap through their Youth Voice. You get to work alongside a team of likeminded people, who are also passionate about the incredible landscape we have here in Cumbria. Through attending board meetings and developing your own campaigns you will be building your own project development, and leadership skills. Practical days will also be available to help develop your practical conservation skills. The experience you gain will build up your CV and provide you with references from us at Friends.