Young people in Teddington can now bid for up to £1,500 to fund projects tackling climate change as part of the Richmond Climate Change Youth Fund.

The Fund is run by Richmond and Kingston Youth Council, with financial support from Achieving for Children and Richmond Council, and applications open on April 1.

Youths aged 11 to 19 who live in Richmond borough are eligible to apply for funding for any idea which would "improve young people's awareness and knowledge on climate change to bring about positive change in their behaviour towards climate change."

The Youth Council said this could fund a wide range of activities and opportunities as long as they focus on one or more of the following areas: energy efficiency and water saving, air quality (travel), waste and recycling, or re-using / repurposing / fast fashion.

They are keen to fund new and exciting and innovative project ideas.

Lydia Roebuck, Chair of the Kingston and Richmond Youth Council, said: "Young people are passionate about climate change and we at the Kingston and Richmond Youth Council want to empower them to develop their ideas to tackle this important issue.

"Thanks to Richmond Council, our Climate Change Commissioning fund is about enabling young people in Richmond to develop their own projects to generate more awareness of climate change and really make a difference."

Projects must have an adult sponsor, such as a teacher or youth worker, who will help the young person applying with their idea.

The deadline for applications is 31 May 2021. Applications should be made HERE

Proposals will then be reviewed by the Youth Climate Change Fund Panel and those who are shortlisted will be invited to present their ideas in June.

While £1,500 is theoretically available for each project, the Youth Council urged applicants to only apply for the money that they really need, so the Fund can support as many projects as possible.

Colin Cooper, CEO of Habitats & Heritage, a local charity that is dedicated to looking after the natural and historic environment in the borough, said: "It's great to see the Youth Council encouraging young people to come up with innovative projects to tackle climate change.

"As we have seen with the impact Greta Thunberg has achieved, young people can have real influence.

"One of Habitats & Heritage's key aims is to get young people learning about the issues confronting our planet and to become proactive problem solvers for the natural environment on their doorsteps. I wish all applicants the best of luck!"

More information on the Richmond Youth Climate Fund is available on its website