Oakham Climate Action group will be holding their first meeting in November. They are inviting local people to "join in reimagining and rebuilding our world, on a local level."

The group asked: "Do you want to make a difference? Are you looking for a way to get involved in positive, local climate action?"

The first meeting of 'Oakham Climate Action' group is for you! 

Oakham Climate Action is aimed at those living within Oakham and Barleythorpe. There are already some places that have similar initiatives, such as Ketton and Melton. There is also network across Rutland: Rutland Climate Action. 

Although there are many excellent local organisations and voluntary groups, the group felt that there wasn't something specifically focused on the climate and biodiversity crisis.  Recent research suggests that three-quarters of adults worry about climate change.  It can often seem that the challenges we are facing right now are overwhelming and out of our control. This can lead to frustration, anger, and division within our communities.  

The group says that this is a first step in creating a more resilient community. Stating, "action is the best response to hopelessness and anxiety."

Other benefits from positive action include: 

• Meeting new people and building connections
• Signalling to wider decision-makers that this is what citizens care about
• Investing in the future we want to live in
• Sense of pride from achievements

 This meeting will introduce the concept of dreaming and working together towards a better future. The aim is to create astronger and more resilient community. The group will pick realistic and achievable goals, working towards them over six months. 

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Although a new country park and Passivhous swimming pool might be too big to start with, it's important to dream big and start somewhere, says the group. Potential ideas include a shared tool library, a water-bottle refill scheme, a community repair shop or cafe, a toy library, more community gardens, a car club, sustainable eating classes, sharing experiences of transitioning to net zero living, help with tree and hedgerow planting.

Everyone is welcome to add their ideas to the Facebook group page.

The group concluded: "This is for everyone, with the intention that together we can work towards a better world for all." 

The first meeting will take place on the 16th of November at Oakham's Quaker Meeting House, Gaol Street at 7pm. 

Find out more here.

Alternatively, follow the group on their Facebook page.