Engaging Youth for a Sustainable Future: Carmarthen Youth Project-Dr Mz's Collaboration with Waves of Change Project
Dr Nichola Welton, the Academic Director for Childhood Youth and Education at UWTSD, has championed and supported the involvement of Carmarthen Youth Project-DrMz with the Waves of Change project, led by Professor Daniela Schmidt and Dr Camilla Morelli of Bristol University and the animator Sophie Marsh.
This collaboration has resulted in a compelling short animation created by the young participants at the project, addressing the crucial issue of climate change in Carmarthen. The animation is available for viewing on YouTube: Link to the animation.
‘Carmarthen Youth Project-Dr Mz’ is renowned for its commitment to working with young people aged 8 to 25, offering weekly drop-in sessions that include digital, cooking, gardening , health and well-being , LGBTQ+ and volunteering session. The organisation operates with five key objectives, including promoting the rights of young people, providing a safe leisure facility, offering access to information and learning, giving young people a voice in the community, and enabling them to actively shape their community.
The Waves of Change project, under the guidance of Professor Daniela Schmidt and Dr Camilla Morelli, has played a pivotal role in achieving Carmarthen Youth project-Dr MZ’s objectives. By engaging young people in discussions about their rights concerning the climate crisis, providing an accessible and free animation activity, and facilitating face-to-face discussions with climate scientists, the project has empowered young individuals to contribute to the prevention of the worst-case climate scenarios.
Christopher Monk, Lead Digital Youth Worker at Dr Mz, highlighted the positive impact of the project, stating, “The young people who attended the sessions came away feeling much more confident about the impact they can have on the climate crisis that we face.”
The participants expressed a newfound confidence in motivating adults to listen to their views and opinions, and they are eager to share their animations with the wider community through posters, screenings, and discussions with their families and friends.”
Chris further emphasized the success of the workshops, citing that 86% of participants found the workshop very useful. Additionally, two-thirds of attendees reported increased levels of happiness from the beginning to the conclusion of the drop-in session. Two-thirds of participants also expressed a willingness to recommend similar activities to their peers if offered by Carmarthen Youth Project-Dr Mz in the future.
Prof Schmidt, University of Bristol, commented: “Every voice matters in our discussions of what a sustainable, liveable future looks like at COP28. Carmarthen is already impacted by climate change which will only become more critical as rainfall intensifies and sea level rises. Using animation allowed the young people to make their concerns heard.”
Dr Nichola Welton, Academic Director for Childhood Youth and Education at UWTSD, added:
“This collaboration between Carmarthen Youth Project- Dr Mz and the Waves of Change project aligns with the UWTSD Youth Work and Social Education qualifying programme, emphasising the importance of enabling young people’s rights and raising awareness of climate change proactively.
“The University has a close working relationship with Dr MZ, providing placement opportunities for students to gain valuable experience, knowledge, and skills in youth work.”
Further Information
Arwel Lloyd
Principal PR and Communications Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467076