A room with a red sign in the foreground which reads 'climate action anywhere = climate hope evrywhere'
Florence Chan
3 Jul, 2024
Ignite Member: Florence Chan ‘Chelmsford’s Climate Cafe’

Chelmsford’s New Climate Cafe

Book a place at upcoming sessions

Florence Chan is an Ignite Member, and Save the Children Changemaker.

I am excited to announce the launch of a Climate Café in Chelmsford this July! Building upon the success of the Climate Screening event at ARU held in March, the enthusiastic response from the community has inspired me to delve deeper into environmental issues. Through the participants from the screening event, I have met other community leaders and climate experts who are keen to see a hub that can engage the community on the climate subject. The idea of a Climate Café arises as an initiative to serve as a welcoming space where community members, policymakers, and activists can meet to discuss, share updates, and inspire each other towards meaningful steps for sustainability in our daily lives, workplaces, and communities. Creativity, communication and innovative thinking are key to achieving this, and there is an important role for creatives to play.

A green flyer listing the Climate Cafe details

As a volunteer Changemaker leader for Save the Children UK, I’ve had the privilege of working with other volunteers from the Generation Hope global campaign over the past year. We have been deeply moved by the incredible stories of life-changing projects that have made a significant impact on children’s lives. These projects bring hope to children who are the most vulnerable to environmental issues.

One particularly inspiring story comes from Ratana in Cambodia. Every morning, 12-year-old Ratana sets off from her home to go to a floating school supported by Save the Children – but she’s got a vital job to do before she gets there. As she rows, she picks up friends along the way – and together they work to clear the rubbish that litters the lake. Ratana shared, “I’ve learned how to clean the environment, and I’m now spreading the word to my community about climate change and protecting the environment.” Thanks to the eco-lessons introduced to her school’s curriculum by Save the Children, Ratana and her friends are now passionately engaged in cleaning up their local lake. Such stories highlight the powerful impact of education and community involvement in fostering environmental stewardship.

The Climate Café is made possible thanks to the immense support from the City Council and the dedicated efforts of the Generation Hope campaign team. We envision this monthly event as a vibrant hub where individuals can come together to exchange ideas, share expert knowledge, and draw inspiration from one another.

As a Changemaker Leader, I used my creativity to develop an engaging project plan for the Climate Café, featuring interactive discussions and eco-friendly practices. Through compelling storytelling and strategic marketing, I have attracted a wide audience and built a vibrant community in anticipation of the event. My innovative efforts have already been recognised with an award from Save the Children for outstanding campaign skills and strategies.

Date and time: every 2nd Saturday of the month from 10:00 am to 11:30 am

Location: Chelmsford Museum (July to September)

Book a free space at upcoming Cafe sessions

More about the Generation Hope global campaign, click here.

Let’s come together to create a sustainable future for all.

Florence stands next to a Save the Children banner

Related articles.

Open Call: Ignite Market Stall Volunteers

Open Call: Ignite Market Stall Volunteers

A New Ignite Market Stall Ignite are launching a new monthly Market Stall, which will be pitched outside Barclays Bank on the High Street. We will run this stall on the 2nd or 3rd Saturday of every month, engaging with shoppers and passersby to get them excited about...

read more
Member of the Month: Vignesh Vyas

Member of the Month: Vignesh Vyas

Each month, Nikki Wilson interviews an Ignite Member, asking five simple questions, to find out what creativity means to them, and how they see culture and creativity, and its potential, in Chelmsford. This month Nikki talks to Vignesh Vyas. How would you describe...

read more
Business & Marketing Support

Business & Marketing Support

We are pleased to share some exciting training opportunities provided by Chelmsford City Council's Economic Development Team. The 'Get Better in Chelmsford' workshop series has returned this month,  offering free marketing sessions to Chelmsford businesses, designed...

read more

Email: ku.gro.drofsmlehcetingi@olleh

Facebook
Twitter

SideMenu