Environmental support for VCSE organisations in the North East
What
We support voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in the North East of England to become environmentally sustainable and take action on the climate emergency.
We do this through providing tools, resources, events and training to build knowledge and confidence around climate and the environment, and the ways organisations can make an impact.
Why
Climate change affects us all. Whether you work with young or older people, in health and wellbeing, supporting local communities, or tacking inequalities, our lives, work and communities require a stable climate.
The most vulnerable communities are already being affected by climate change. Many lower-income households can’t afford house insurance, or to protect their homes from flooding, and are struggling to pay their heating bills. More extreme weather will affect farming, causing food prices to rise. Colder weather means bigger energy bills which will continue to make life harder for people with less income.
Across the VCSE sector, organisations know that the environment is important to them and their communities. However, they often don't know where to start, or how they can make a meaningful impact. They may also face barriers when it comes to accessing the resources or training they need to make this much-needed change happen.
We know that VCSE organisations can make a difference. Not only can they become more environmentally sustainable, but they can work closely with communities to make fantastic change happen, deliver help to those in need, and make climate action an opportunity for local people to have a better quality of life. The VCSE sector can become more resilient and adaptable while helping to protect those most affected by climate change. We're here to help organisations to do this, and to bring about a greener, fairer future.
How
This website was created in 2021 to provide a resource hub for anyone in the sector to use. Here, you'll find advice to follow and resources to download to start your climate journey.
In 2022 we launched a pilot to reach out to the community and actively support organisations. We did this through events, subsidised training, and seed funding for developing climate projects. Our pilot was funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, County Durham Community Foundation, Tees Foundation, and Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland.
Following our pilot, we're delighted to have been funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and Point North to carry the next phase of the project forward between 2024 and 2027. We will be providing a wider range of resources and one-to-one support through our new Sustainability Pathway, additional training courses, further events and peer networking, and more.
Who
Going Green Together is led by the Voluntary Organisations' Network North East (VONNE). It is delivered in partnership with the VONNE Climate Action Alliance (VCAA) and environmental experts Genee and SmartCarbon.
The VCAA is a group of organisations based in North East England wanting to engage, inspire and support others in the VCSE sector to take climate action, support nature and support our people and communities through the transition to a brighter future.
Actions from around the North East
We've invested in LED lighting throughout the centre to reduce energy usage
We're installing double glazing in all of our building's windows and we've replaced old light fittings with LED equivalents.
We've set up battery recycling and crisp packet recycling within the building through the eco-council.
We initiated an Eco-Council in our building to plan and deliver building wide initiatives.
Join us today
Sign up to start your journey on the Sustainability Pathway.
