Leading Action for Healthy Rivers training – The Prittle Brook

Saturday 27th January & Saturday 3rd February

We are looking to train future River Action Leaders!

As part of the Catchment to Coast Programme, become a Water Guardian and take part in Thames21's flagship course: Leading Action for Healthy Rivers.

To learn more about The Catchment to Coast Programme, CLICK HERE

Find out everything you need to know to safely lead groups of volunteers to 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.

Please note that this training is Free for community members who would like to lead river improvement events. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate corporate volunteers.

Please only register if you are sure that you can commit to both days:

27th January & 3rd February

If you have questions, please contact:

clementine.moule@thames21.org.uk or

edwin.quast@thames21.org.uk

If you want to help improve the health of Southend and Thurrock's waterways then we’d love to work with you.  

Saturday 27th January & Saturday 3rd February

Independent citizen-led initiatives are essential to increasing the resilience of and protecting our rivers. We cannot wait for authorities or government agencies to take the necessary action on our rivers. 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, and gaining registering as a river action group, 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:

Belfairs Wood

Essex Wildlife Trust Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre

SS9 4LR

Start and finish times: Approximately 10am-4pm (exact times tbc)

Upcoming dates:

Saturday 27th January & Saturday 3rd Feburary

Please register your interest on the link on this page or contact our Training Officer Edwin Quast.

Session 1 – Saturday 27th January:

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 – Saturday 3rd February:

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 involves both in-class and outdoors, site-specific learning.

Duration:

This course is run over 2 full days in person, 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.

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.