‘Inspiring’ Health & Climate Conference in Frome

THE community is being invited to join an inspiring day that will focus on health and climate. 

The Green & Healthy Future for Frome project – a unique partnership of Edventure Frome, Frome Medical Practice and the town council – is hosting a conference on Friday 15th July at the Cheese & Grain, which is drawing in people from the town and from across the region.   

Organisers add, “Our conference will inspire you to take action for your own wellbeing and for the future of your community. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded people, share ideas and learn how to get involved in creating a fairer future for all. 

“It is a great opportunity for people to hear about our partnership work and how we have joined forces to make a difference to health and climate change in our town as well as future opportunities to get involved. Tickets are selling fast, with over 100 gone already, so don’t miss the opportunity if you’re interested.” 

During the conference, there will be inspiring guest speakers including: Dr Rita Issa (climate-focussed GP and activist), Jonathan Higman (NHS Somerset), Yvonne Bignall (Women’s Health), and equality and climate advocate Grace Maddrell (author of Tomorrow is Too Late), as well as members of the project team – including Dr Helen Kingston from Frome Medical Practice – to hear about their groundbreaking work happening right here in Frome. 

“Running alongside the event, there are other things to see and do,” added the organisers. “In Frome Library there is a display of repaired and repurposed clothing and textiles made by members of Future Shed, including a dress made of plastic milk bottles, as well as the launch of the exciting new Frome Seed Library. 

“There is also a special climate debate workshop for up to 20 young people (aged 13-18), led by Frome-based Science Boost facilitator Katie Marshall. The workshop on Friday 15th July from 4pm-5pm will debate the question, ‘Should flying be banned for 10 years?’. This structured debate involves eight characters, each with different backgrounds and views on why flying should or shouldn’t be banned. Participants have the chance to express their own opinions in the debate or can stay ‘in character’ if they are more comfortable.  

“This is a great opportunity for young people to develop the skills and abilities to listen respectfully, learn from others’ perspectives and have empathy to those with differing views to themselves. Participants will leave this workshop with greater knowledge about climate change and with positive ideas for how individuals and organisations can have an impact on our planet and health.”  

Green & Healthy project manager and Future Shed lead, Sue Palmer said, “We have planned different ways that people can find out about our work around climate and health here in Frome.  We are the only project of our kind in the UK funded by the Climate Action Fund through the National Lottery Community Fund.” 

Find out all about the day online: https://greenhealthyfuturefrome.org/conference/  

The Health & Climate Conference takes place at the Cheese & Grain on Friday 15th July, from 9.30am to 5.30pm.  Lunch is included and tickets (scaled to income with free bursary places available) can be booked here: www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/health-climate-conference -tickets-230833448057