Working with youth clubs to deliver green skills days
Youthwork organisations play a vital role in their communities, supporting young people to broaden their horizons in ways which are rooted in their everyday lives. This year, CSE teamed up with youth centres in Hartcliffe and Avon to run a series of green skills days, giving young people a chance to explore sustainability hands-on.
Young people explored the topics of biodiversity, renewable energy, and sustainable materials, often for the first time. Each experience was designed to spark curiosity and show what the just energy transition looks like in Bristol today.
Along the way, they built confidence in meeting new people, discovered new parts of their city, and imagined new possibilities for their future.
Sewing with purpose
Young people used sewing machines – many for the first time – to create their own PE kit bags from recycled scrap materials.
It was my first time ever making something like a bag and my first time ever using a sewing machine… I’m very, very proud of myself.
Skills day attendee
Engineering in action
They explored the principles of design and renewable energy by building and testing their own wind turbine prototypes. This offered the chance to learn through competition, creativity, and teamwork.
Electronics made simple
With soldering irons in hand, they wired up buzzer games to take home, discovering that electronics isn’t just for experts – it’s something they can do themselves.
I feel like [the young people] learned that things that might seem difficult aren’t actually.
Youth worker
Designing a “youth club of the future”
Working with Knowle West Media Centre, young people imagined and designed their own “youth club of the future” – a space shaped by everything they’d learned. They reflected on what matters to them and how their clubs could support a greener, fairer future.
These experiences were more than just days out – they were turning points. Young people saw that sustainability isn’t just an abstract concept. It’s something they can build, shape, and take pride in.
Mission Net Zero
This project is part of Mission Net Zero, an initiative funded by Innovate UK to accelerate Bristol and the West of England’s transition to net zero by 2030. By supporting youth clubs to deliver high-quality, open-access green activities, we’re helping young people see themselves as part of the climate solution and giving them the tools to shape a future they want to live in.
Let’s work together to support more young people
If you’re interested in working with us to support youth clubs in Bristol, we’d love to hear from you. We’re always looking to work with organisations who share our commitment to empowering young people to take climate action.
Interested in working with us?
Let’s work together to support the next generation of climate leaders and build a fairer, greener future.
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Project
Mission Net Zero
We’re a key player in this £5m initiative, working with communities to speed up Bristol and the West of England’s transition to net zero.
Community energy Behaviour change -
Future generations
Ensuring young people feel inspired and able to play a meaningful role in the transition to a sustainable and fairer energy system.
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Project
Climate change and energy workshops for primary schools
Young people are concerned about climate change and want to be a part of the solution. Our workshops show them the way.
Education