After 10 years of success across London, Birmingham and Leeds, Envision, the award winning youth empowerment
charity, will be kicking off its work in Bristol with an exciting debut launch event.
On 17 November, over 100 students from schools and colleges across Bristol and the surrounding area, will come together for a unique day of workshops, talks and entertainment, with the aim of inspiring them to develop their own local community projects and campaigns.

The event, at the Trinity Centre, Old Market, will provide an opportunity for young people to learn more about social, environmental and community issues and discuss the causes that matter to them. They will also be able to take part in a range of taster skills sessions and workshops, covering areas such as presentation skills and film-making.

Youth climate campaigner Kirsty Schneeberger MBE, will be the key note speaker at the event, which will also be attended by local education professionals, leaders of the business and charity sectors, and local councillors.

The students will go on to work with Envision throughout the academic year on their own projects, tackling issues from racism and homelessness to road safety and sustainability. By taking part in the projects, students will have the opportunity to make a real difference in their communities, develop new skills and grow in confidence.

“Envision Bristol is aiming to inspire a new generation of young people to take action on the issues that matter to them and challenge the stereotype that they are disengaged and apathetic about society. Our schools programme has been shown to have a transformative effect on the skills, aspirations and confidence of the young people who take part, so we’re excited about extending this work to Bristol and the surrounding area.” - Andrew Dick, Envision Chief Executive.

“Envision was an extremely enriching experience for me. Envision made me more aware of issues facing young people today and inspired me to tackle them; it gave me the confidence to express myself and become more vocal”. – Beanish, a former Envision student.

-Ends-

Launch event details:

Where: The Trinity Centre, Old Market, Bristol
When: 1pm – 5.30pm, Wednesday 17 November 2010

Interview / photo opportunities:
• Young people attending the event
• Envision spokespeople
• Teachers
• Business and community leaders

For further information please contact:

Gemma Timons; Regional Coordinator, Envision Bristol - 01173 155 113, email: gemma@envision.org.uk

Fen Bagias; Media & PR support, Envision Bristol – 07976 252002, email: fbagias@gmail.com

Web: www.envision.org.uk

Twitter.com/envisionUK

Facebook.com/envisionuk

Notes to Editor:

• Envision was founded by four young people in June 2000 as a response to the environmental and social issues facing British society in the 21st Century.

• Envision won the Guardian Charity Awards 2008 and recently reached the finals of the National Lottery Awards.

• Envision trains adult volunteers to deliver its Schools Programme to young people.

• Envision has received a GoldStar Award – a cabinet office initiative – for its ability to engage underrepresented young people and adults in volunteering with a difference.

• Envision relies on voluntary donations to fund its schools and colleges programme. To donate please visit www.envision.org.uk/donate

• Today Envision supports teams of 16-19 year olds from 130 schools and colleges in Birmingham, Leeds and London, helping over 2000 young people every year to design their own local community projects tackling issues ranging from street crime to climate change. The experience builds confidence, aspirations and skills inspiring the next generation of young community leaders.

• Last year 93% of Envision students indicated an improvement in their confidence and 95% in communication skills. 97% of participating young people said that taking part in Envision had improved their understanding of social issues and 93% indicated an improved understanding of environmental issues.