Training:

Leading Action for Healthy Rivers

Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th May

We are looking to train future River Action Leaders!

Take part in Thames21's flagship course: Leading Action for Healthy Rivers.

Find out everything you need to know to safely lead groups of volunteers to help improve our waterways.

Topics will include Risk Assessments, Leadership Skills, Event Planning, and Volunteer Coordination.

This NCFE accredited course provides everything you need to plan and run safe, effective and enjoyable community and volunteer waterway improvements, from litter picks, citizen science, community events and river restoration works.

The Leading Action for Healthy Rivers course empowers you to take affirmative independent action by setting up your own River Action Group (RAG) or joining an already established one in a more proactive role.

Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th May

Independent citizen-led initiatives are essential to increasing the resilience of our rivers and to protect them. We cannot wait for authorities or government agencies to take the necessary action on our rivers, and after accreditation, you will be part of a growing number of citizen scientists, activists and community groups making a real difference to their environment.

After accreditation, any community event that you run will be covered by Thames21’s public liability insurance, providing legal protection and peace of mind for yourself and any volunteers taking part.

This course also provides a pathway to register as a Thames21 Event Support Contractor (ESC): a freelance role, assisting Thames21’s diverse and expanding work. ESC’s are paid above the London living wage and are vital to Thames21’s work. Working for Thames21 as an ESC provides valuable, hands-on leadership skills, and experience for those wishing to gain employment in the conservation or charity sector.

Leading Action for Healthy Rivers is much more than picking up litter.

The course includes two days of tuition, a practical handbook, additional learning resources, coursework to support your event, leadership development and accreditation.

Leading-Action-for-Healthy-Rivers_course-overview-from-Training-Pack-2020.pdf (thames21.org.uk)

Location:

Nor @ The Courtyard

The Courtyard

Cottage 3

The Homesteads

Beckenham Place Park

Beckenham

London

BR3 1SY

Unfortunately, due to the nature of this venue, the training room requires walking up a short flight of stairs, so this particular day is not suitable for those will limited mobility who will not be able to climb these.

Start and finish times:

Approximately 09.45am - 16.00pm

Upcoming dates:

Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th May

Or if you have any questions, contact Edwin Quast.

Session 1 – Saturday 18th

You will learn about the challenges faced by urban rivers and be able to identify what proactive steps you can take to assist in the recovery and improvements of these habitats.

Session 2 – Sunday 19th

We will look at leadership responsibilities and build confidence by focusing on the importance of good health and safety requirements when working in and near water. We will also cover promoting your event and talk about how to motivate individuals to come together and achieve common goals as a group.

Session 3 – Thames21 volunteering event of your choosing:

You will be required to attend a Thames21 event at a later date to observe good leadership and health and safety practices in person. This will be followed by completion of two evaluations to assess your learning.

The course is classroom based, with a short walk along the Thames Embankment (or foreshore depending on the tide).

Duration:

This course is run over two full days in person (Saturday & Sunday), as well as attending a Thames21 event to see leadership in action at a later date of your choosing.

Accreditation:

Thames21 is a nationally recognised NCFE Customised Qualification Centre.

Fees:

• Free to individuals who have been volunteering with Thames21 projects or wish to establish their own River Action Group.
• Leading Action for Healthy Rivers is always oversubscribed. Places are offered through a mixture of early responders as well as individuals who can show their commitment in completing the course.

Please Note:

Places for this course are prioritised for residents of Beckenham Place Park.

If you have any further questions, please contact Edwin Quast on 07739 627 665

Please note: You do not have to use your Facebook or Google account to register your interest on this course. You can instead type in your email address in the box provided.

Please only register if you can commit to both days: 18th & 19th May

Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th May

If you have questions, please contact:

Edwin Quast

If you want to help improve the health of London's Rivers and its tributaries then we’d love to work with you.