Holme Valley Climate Action Partnership is a charitable organisation providing the tools people need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Holme Valley. The greatest challenge we face globally (and locally) is the need to quickly rethink how we use the earths resources and adopt a more sustainable way of life, moving away from fossil fuel dependency. The ambition of becoming carbon neutral requires a coordinated effort and to achieve it at a local level HVCAP are connecting potential partners from all parts of the community including, voluntary groups, businesses, schools, faith groups, landowners and residents to take action together.

There are over 60 community organisations and businesses linked through the partnership.  Their projects range from edible gardens and climate education, to renewable energy, and the delivery of tree planting.  HVCAP provide staff time in support of projects, helping source funding and specialist skills, and promoting and sharing project news through community events and media.

Making climate action more accessible is important to us and we want our work to be led by our community. To make sure we are listening, supporting and helping people deliver the projects that make a difference, we carry out regular consultation and engagement events. We offer networking opportunities to our partners, and link up with community groups at all levels whether sports clubs and youth groups or food banks and warm hubs.

We are actively seeking new projects with a particular focus on helping reduce energy use and change local transport. New for 2023, the HVCAP Energy Champion project shares home energy advice and simple resources with those most in need of support.  This has been really well received in the face of the current cost-of-living crisis and will be developed further to include home visits with thermal imaging to help identify the insulation requirements of individual homes.

Working with our partners we are developing new active travel projects calling for quiet roads, lower speed limits, and improvements to walking and cycling routes.  Interest in promoting cleaner and greener public transport is also being encouraged.  To enable us to develop these and many more ideas for change we need your help! You can join us and share your ideas for action by contacting us at hvcapmail@gmail.com
 
Current active projects
Community Gardens – With funding through the Bright Green Community Trust and Co-op Central England we are promoting 7 local community growing spaces, encouraging people to visit, grow, and enjoy.  With workshops offering skills training and regular sessions giving people an opportunity to garden with others. these special gardens help local people 'Grow their Own', no garden or previous experience needed.
Free Energy Advice and resources – Delivered by our Energy Champion at drop in events throughout the Holme Valley. We also work with partners to offer larger Home Energy events sharing information that includes investments people can make in energy efficiency measures for their home.
Partner Support work – helping small local organisations with behind the scenes work promoting or delivering aspects of their projects.
Community Engagement and Events – Taking project news out to the community and inviting local people to share views and ideas for new projects.  We also deliver themed events like a pre-loved Prom promotion, encouraging the re-use of clothing, and we are currently planning a low carbon food focused event that will showcase inspiring veggie meals, made with local ingredients.
Foil recycling Project - 2024 has seen the restart of aluminium foil recycling collections, previously offered by a partner organisation.  Initial feedback is very positive and with enough support we hope to expand collections through the Holme Valley.

“The work of HVCAP is so important to our not-for-profit organisation as it unites the issue of education and awareness raising around taking action for climate change.” Environmental Projects in Kirklees

We’re keen to expand our work and help drive change. Your support can make a big difference to us.  Our current funding priorities include,
- Ongoing funding of our support work and community engagement events
- Provision of energy savings resources to local people on lower incomes and expansion of the home energy project 
- Funding for local growing spaces, helping people grow and share produce. 
Please support our work by donating directly or if you have a fundraising idea and would like to choose us as your charity we can help you set up a fundraising page.  Just get in touch to find out more. 

Don’t feel able to donate but have some time to spare - we can put you in touch with local groups in need of volunteers!  
Current opportunities

• Foil Project Co-ordinator
• Cycling Coach (full training to Level 1 coaching certificate provided)
• Riders for Epiks ECargo Bike scheme
• Events support
• Social media support
• Trustee opportunities

If you’d like more information on any of these then contact Siân Taylor at hvcapmail@gmail.com for a role description.

Thanks for any help you can give and feel free to get in touch with questions or to join our mailing list for updates. hvcapmail@gmail.com