Climate action workshop ‘meeting demand for practical information’

The first climate action workshop for Westmeath Age Friendly Programme and Older Persons’ Council was meeting the demand for “something more practical”, according to the organisers.

The workshop, at the Annebrook House Hotel on Monday November 20, provided information on reducing food waste, planting for change and pollinator planting, and the Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP), which has funding available to community groups to support environmental projects.

More than 40 people from a variety of groups across Westmeath attended the workshop. It was organised by Annette Barr Jordan, manager of the Westmeath Age Friendly Programme, and Jennifer McKeon from the Community Development section of Westmeath County Council.

The workshop was delivered by horticulturist and environmentalist Aoife Munn. Guest speaker John Jackson, community climate action officer with the CCAP, gave a presentation outlining the objectives of the programme and how to apply for funding.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, Jennifer McKeon said the event was a “tremendous morning” and a “great success”.

She said it was the first time they organised an event of its nature, and it was meeting the demand for “something more practical” that would relate to their group members, who were interested in learning how “they can make small changes”.

“It’s great to get all of the information about carbon footprints and climate science and all of that, but I think they just wanted something practical they could do themselves, so that they felt that they were making a difference,” she said.

“The event aimed at providing all our Age Friendly groups in Westmeath ways of making small changes in their homes and to influence their own communities to support climate action and biodiversity.

"They covered topics such as reducing your waste through meal planning, preserving and growing your own, food storage, best before dates, composting. The groups also covered planting for change, what are the best pollinators, creating a perfect habitat, how to plant and what to plant,” said Jennifer.

At the workshop, attendees participated in group discussion sessions and activities. Particularly popular was Aoife Munn’s demonstration on how to make soap from everyday items. This “went down a treat” according to Jennifer, especially as everyone left with their own bars of homemade soap.

“Due the success of this event, we plan to run more climate action workshops in 2024,” said Jennifer. She is looking forward to the next Westmeath Age Friendly Programme and Older Persons’ Council event – a “recreational sports taster expo” in Bloomfield House Hotel on December 11.

There will be sports and dance workshops, a games room, and information on ExWell, a new exercise programme that improves quality of life. The CCAP is helping Westmeath build low carbon communities.

Funding is available to community groups to support projects that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build climate resilience and assist communities in transitioning to a lower carbon economy.

The council’s climate action team would like communities to begin developing ideas about the type of projects they might apply for. Communities are encouraged to take action under the following themes: community energy, travel, food and waste, shopping and recycling and local climate and environmental action.

Funding is available for small, medium and large projects. To qualify, projects must be delivered in a community/local area and have a direct positive impact on climate change and/or help communities adapt to the consequences of climate change. Applications are open until February 28, 2024.

If you are interested in attending the next workshop, or any other events with Westmeath Age Friendly Programme and Older Persons’ Council, contact Jennifer McKeon at Jennifer.mckeon@westmeathcoco.ie or Breda on 044 93 32051.