Speak up! Channelling Storm Anxiety into Political Action in Truro
The Challenge
Young people in the Truro Diocese Schools were concerned about the significant tree loss across their diocese area caused by the devastating impact of Storm Goretti.
Our Role
Working with Truro Diocese Schools, we supported the young people to engage in deliberative democracy, through developing a shared Manifesto. 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, the young people have now met with 8 decision-makers, including 3 Cornwall MPs, the Bishop of Truro and the Environmental Committee at Truro County Council. They were supported to present their priorities in a way which resonated with each decision-maker.
The youth-led campaign secured commitments:
From Forest for Cornwall, and Truro Council to plant 440 trees in the Truro Area
From church leaders to host a tree appreciation day across the diocese in November 2027
To run a plastic sculpture making event across the diocese to promote the need for more recycling across the community
From Ben Maguire MP who has now relayed their concerns over traffic around schools to Minister of State, Lord Hendy, as well as providing the young people with an official letter from the Houses of Parliament
