Making an impact with Myplace #iwillWeek

Helena Dolby for Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust

This week (12th - 16th November) is #iwillWeek, a UK-wide campaign that aims to make social action a part of life for many 10-20 year olds.

The Myplace project empowers our young people to take action for wildlife, communities and their own wellbeing with weekly sessions in local green spaces. This is Sophie's story.

During my time with the Myplace project I have met so many inspirational people - people who don't let anything get in the way of their happiness.

We all have our worries and struggles but during the session we put that aside and focus on having fun and making a difference for nature.

I joined Myplace in November 2017 and since then I have had many achievements and met so many people. Recently I received my certificate for the John Muir Environmental Award Level 1, to gain the award I had to discover a wild place, explore it, do something to conserve the wild place and share my experience. Myplace helped me to achieve this.

You're going to feel better because you're helping somebody else and you're helping the environment.
Sophie Eddison

When I got chosen to be a Youth Ambassador, representing the Lancashire Wildlife Trust and the Our Bright Future Youth Forum I was overwhelmed and honoured. I have been able to express my own opinions and learn new things. I am excited to show the next youth ambassador what we do and hopefully get different ideas. 

In my remaining few months I am hoping to do as much as I can to make a change to the natural environment and make it a better place. I’m a totally different person compared to when I started and I’m grateful for all the staff and volunteers who have guided me along the way.

How Myplace has helped people to make a difference