Rea is delighted to be part of a groundbreaking new initiative, ‘A Future for All’, that has launched in Yorkshire thanks to National Lottery players, aiming to empower parents to shape climate and nature policy.
The five-year project launched in Spring 2025 after receiving funding from The National Lottery Community Fund as part of its Climate Action Fund programme. The project will break down barriers to climate advocacy by equipping families - particularly from low-income households and those with disabled children - with the tools and confidence to engage with policymakers.
Community-Driven Climate Action
Led by Yorkshire-based Hope for the Future (HftF) together with Rowan Environmental Arts (REA), Contact, Parents for Future (PFF), and the London School of Economics and Political Science(LSE), this project will start in Yorkshire before expanding nationally.
From Leeds to Sheffield, a programme of free events this summer will create engaging, family-friendly spaces for advocacy and action.
At the heart of the programme is Rea’s ‘Positive Imaginings’, an immersive outdoor theatre experience co-created with families. Their unique storytelling approach will allow parents and children to explore how climate change affects them and envision a hopeful future together.
Follow-up events include outdoor family workshops designed to help parents effectively engage with politicians and in-depth training to equip parents with skills to lead advocacy efforts in their communities.
From Local Impact to National Change
Insights from Yorkshire, evaluated by LSE academics, will inform a national legacy, with an online toolkit enabling community organisations across the UK to replicate the initiative.
With Hope for the Future’s proven advocacy approach, parents across the UK will be supported in engaging directly with policymakers, increasing their chances of securing political commitments.
Melissa Eaglesfield, Funding Strategy, Communications, and Impact Director, at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Everyone can play a part in building a more sustainable future for all, so it's fantastic that this project will engage and empower families, particularly those impacted most by climate change, including low-income households and families with children with disabilities.
"Through Climate Action Fund - Our Shared Future, we have made £30million available to partnerships with the vision and expertise to connect climate action with peoples' everyday lives, interests and activities. By working with diverse communities across the UK, Climate Action Fund projects like A Future for All will help to create lasting change for generations to come."
A Call to Action
As ‘A Future for All’ embarks on its journey, we invite families, community organisations, and policymakers to join us in shaping a future where all parents have a voice in climate action. With thanks to National Lottery players, this project is creating an opportunity for real, lasting change—starting in Yorkshire and expanding across the UK.
