As I connect into this diverse and rich network of like-minded people, I reflect on NCB's own aims to connect young people into their communities and wider opportunities to take action on sustainable lifestyles. How do we enable our young people to create their own networking opportunities to create a better future?
A recent NCB literature review indicates that our most deprived young people are disconnected from sustainable living issues and teenagers generally find it difficult to translate their daily actions, like recycling, into wider community activism. Barriers to community engagement include poor information about participation opportunities and feeling undervalued within their communities.
We have to start with the issues that matter to young people most. At the launch of the Sustainable Schools Alliance we heard from pupils at Ashley and Osborne Schools who have connected with each other and communities to ensure the right choices are made "over and over again". They have learned that leading and influencing change requires perseverance and confidence.
To shift thinking and behaviour in order to achieve the scale of change needed, requires confidence in children and young people's abilities to lead, solve problems and to challenge themselves and others.
I would like to hear from London local authorities and services interested in working with me to support the future young London leaders. To register your interest or to find out more, email jbutcher@ncb.org.uk by 29 April or visit www.londonsdc.org/londonleaders/profile.aspx?ID=59.
Jo Butcher, programme director, health and wellbeing, NCB
