Somerset Prepared event to celebrate youth in emergency resilience planning
Annual event highlights young people's contributions amid rising flood and drought risks
The annual Somerset Prepared Community Resilience Day is set to celebrate the contributions of young people in shaping emergency planning on 21st October at Millfield School, Street.
Organised by the Somerset Prepared Partnership and funded by Somerset Rivers Authority, the free event will bring together key organisations including the Environment Agency, Somerset Rivers Authority, and Somerset Council.
This year’s focus is on engaging younger generations in resilience planning alongside experienced volunteers. Youth-themed sessions feature initiatives such as Hampshire Young People's Emergency Response scheme and workshops with the National Flood Forum, encouraging local engagement with schools.
Martin Parham, a lecturer in disaster management at The University of Manchester, will deliver the keynote address, advocating for the inclusion of young people in community resilience strategies.
He said, "Young people have so much to offer when it comes to building resilient communities, but too often they're left out of the conversation.”
Workshops will cover emergency plan creation, wildfire preparation, and understanding weather patterns like El Niño. A demonstration will visualise a household’s essential three-day supply of water and food.
The event will conclude with the Community Resilience Awards, recognising individuals who have excelled in aiding their communities.
Coinciding with Flood Action Week beginning 12th October, the event aims to raise awareness about flood risk management amid drought concerns following England's record dry summer.
Emma Giffard, flood resilience engagement advisor for the Environment Agency, emphasised the significance of local knowledge in flood risk management and the benefits of the Community Resilience Day in providing tailored advice.
Members of the public wishing to attend can reserve places through Eventbrite until 14th October.
Somerset Prepared is a multi-agency partnership dedicated to enhancing local emergency resilience through advice, support, and training.