The Hampshire Youth Parliament has partnered with environmental charity, the Final Straw Foundation, to create an Eco Conference for more than 200 Hampshire secondary school students.

The conference, held at Winchester College on October 17, will have a variety of interactive workshops and engaging talks by a variety of speakers including Minnie Moore and Parliament and Council Action, as well as stalls run by the Package Free Larder, Vintage Trainer Store, Community Energy South and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. 

The aim of the day is to give students a better understanding of the causes and impacts of climate change, plastic pollution and the importance of sustainability. The 15 schools that are attending the day are from the length and breadth of Hampshire.

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Vicky Hall, from Hampshire Youth Parliament is confident the day will be a success and benefit to those attending. It will also launch the partnership with the Final Straw Foundation and highlight our ‘Stop Plastic Pollution’ campaign.

Bianca Carr, CEO of the Final Straw Foundation, said: “One of our key focus areas for the Charity is to inspire and enthuse young people. Knowledge is power, and if we can better connect the next generation to nature and the environment, it makes a huge difference to their determination to protect the natural world. I’m sure that the students will leave the day feeling motivated to take action and make positive choices for our planet.’

Alex Clayton, sustainability lead and head of geography at the college said: “Winchester College has a cross-curricular commitment to teaching about sustainability and the Climate and Ecological Emergency. We were delighted to work with Hampshire Youth Parliament and Final Straw Foundation to provide an opportunity for pupils across Hampshire to spend the day focusing on these vital issues.”