Speak up! Channelling Storm Anxiety into Political Action in Truro

The Challenge 

Following widespread tree loss caused by Storm Goretti, young people across the Truro Diocese wanted to protect the nature they cared about. While schools had created opportunities for students to meet local leaders, they wanted to ensure those conversations led to meaningful action rather than simply raising awareness. 

Our Role 

Hope for the Future equipped students with the skills to become effective advocates. We supported them to research local decision-makers, develop a community manifesto, and transform their ideas into clear, evidence-based SMART asks that they could confidently present to politicians, church leaders and education leaders. 

The Outcomes 

Armed with their manifesto, students met three MPs, Cornwall Council's Environment Committee, diocesan leaders and local bishops to present their priorities. 

Their campaign secured commitments to: 

• Launch a Diocese-wide Tree Appreciation Day

• Deliver a community recycling campaign through a plastic sculpture project

• Promote the students' manifesto across the Diocese

• Raise the importance of young people's voices through Cornwall Council

• Take concerns about traffic outside schools directly to Government through MP Ben Maguire