The Great Imagining Staffordshire

JOIN US to inspire young people and their communities throughout Staffordshire and beyond.

The Great Imagining is a platform and an invitation to imagine and take action  towards a greener, fairer, wiser future.

Young people are not currently being given the tools and therefore the literacy to prepare for their future in a time of ecological stresses, and global instability. This programme enables teachers and students to be creative, and have fun, while thinking about the possibilities of the future, for schools and communities across Staffordshire and beyond.

With your support, we will reach hundreds if not thousands of children and young people in this pilot programme, centred around regional hubs starting with Staffordshire. By supporting teachers to explore the topics and content of our environmental social programme, while navigating the National Curriculum, we are enabling classrooms to be more creative, playful and fun. Through our programme they will be exploring the awe and wonder of the natural environment,  in and around their school and neighbourhoods.

WHAT ARE WE DOING?

We are building a hands-on, imaginative programme that puts the things that matter at the heart of everyday learning – and makes it joyful, local, and lasting.

We are working directly nearly 60 schools, over 70 teachers as well as artists, and creative educators to:

• Practice carbon and food literacy, craft and life skills.
• Follow a choice of over 10 Creative Pathways including film, media, theatre etc.
• Collaborate with local as well as national artists and educators.
• Provide illustrated Thinking Kits that bring climate systems to life.
• Support students to take measurable action – cutting emissions and restoring nature. 
• Support schools to establish climate action plans lead by the school community.
• Produce events and festivals where young people can share ideas and artworks and discover the possibilities of an interconnected world.

This is education that doesn’t just raise awareness – it builds confidence, community, and the belief that change is possible.

“I loved planting wildflowers at school - it made me feel like I was really helping nature.”
     - Year 5 pupil, Staffordshire

"The Great Imagining transformed how our students think about climate change. They don’t just learn about it - they become part of the solution."

     - Primary School Headteacher, Cannock Chase

"This program is exactly what our community needed. It connects schools, families, and local businesses in a way that inspires real action."

     - Local Council Sustainability Officer

THE SUCCESS OF LAST YEAR

Following the successful work in partnership with Cannock Chase Council last year. See here. We are now working in the wider Staffordshire region in partnership with Lichfield Council, Stafford as well as Cannock Chase again.

Staffordshire is home to rich biodiversity, vibrant schools and passionate communities; and it’s also facing the same climate and social pressures as the rest of the UK.

By working in partnership with local councils, educators and cultural leaders, we’re creating a model that’s rooted in place, but designed to grow – helping young people become active stewards of their communities and the wider world.

We’re not just teaching young people about the climate crisis. We’re helping them lead the response.

WHAT YOUR SUPPORT WILL FUND

We’re aiming to raise £15,000, match-funded £ for £ by Aviva, to support:

• Workshop delivery in schools and hubs.
• Creative materials and ‘Thinking Kits’.
• Training for local artists and educators.
• Project coordination, safeguarding and community outreach.
• Evaluation and storytelling to share what we learn.

All donations are matched by Aviva, up to £250, doubling the impact of your donation.  For example, £10 becomes £20, £50 becomes £100, and £250 becomes £500.

Every donation brings us closer to our goal and makes a real difference to the project.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF THIS PROGRAMME?

Each school that takes part in the programme will be supported to deliver their Climate Action Plans in partnership with the whole student community. Teachers will gain tools to carry the learning forward, and communities will be more collaborative around local climate solutions.

This isn’t a short-term intervention. It’s the beginning of long-term, locally led change powered by creativity, community, and belief in the next generation.

BE PART OF THE CHANGE

This is about more than education. It’s about imagination, courage, and giving young people the support they need to lead us toward a greener, fairer, wiser future.

Your donation will help bring creative climate action to life in schools and communities across Staffordshire.  And thanks to Aviva, it’ll be matched (up to £250 per person), doubling the impact.

Donate today.  Share the story.  Join us in building the future we all need.