Celebrating Youth and Resilience in Somerset
This month, Somerset Prepared will honour the contributions of the county’s youth during its annual Community Resilience Day event. Scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, the gathering will take place at Millfield School in Street, bringing together local councillors, community groups, and various organisations dedicated to enhancing emergency preparedness.
The free event will feature participation from entities such as the Environment Agency, Somerset Rivers Authority, and Somerset Council, all of which aim to strengthen community resilience in the face of emergencies. This year’s emphasis is on the role of young people in disaster planning, showcasing how their innovative ideas can integrate with the insights of seasoned volunteers.
Engaging Youth in Emergency Planning
Among the highlights of the day will be youth-oriented sessions, including the Hampshire Young People’s Emergency Response scheme and discussions led by the National Flood Forum in collaboration with local flood action groups, focusing on ways to engage schools in these vital conversations.
The keynote speech will be delivered by Martin Parham, a lecturer in disaster management at The University of Manchester, who has dedicated his career to involving young individuals in community resilience initiatives. He emphasised that young people possess significant potential for enhancing community preparedness, often overlooked in planning discussions.
Parham stated, “When young people are given meaningful roles in resilience planning, they infuse the process with energy, creativity, and valuable connections, which can yield remarkable benefits.” He expressed enthusiasm for sharing his insights in Somerset and how they might influence local resilience efforts.
Workshops and Practical Demonstrations
The agenda includes workshops aimed at equipping attendees with essential skills, such as developing emergency plans, preparing for wildfires, and comprehending weather phenomena like El Niño. A hands-on demonstration will illustrate the amount of food and water a household requires for three days in an emergency. Additionally, representatives from Somerset Council will provide updates on the Somerset Flood Resilience Fund.
The event will conclude with the presentation of the Community Resilience Awards, acknowledging individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to helping their communities navigate emergencies.
Planning for Future Emergencies
Organised by the Somerset Prepared Partnership and funded by Somerset Rivers Authority, this event aims to equip communities with the knowledge and resources necessary for effective emergency management. Dr Bel Deering, the community engagement officer for Somerset Rivers Authority, remarked on the importance of preparedness, stating, “Communities that take the initiative to plan ahead are often the most capable of coping with emergencies.”
This year has seen Somerset face both flooding and drought challenges, with the summer proving to be one of the driest on record across England. The National Drought Group, which includes representatives from the Environment Agency, has been coordinating a response throughout the summer months, meeting weekly to address ongoing concerns.
Raising Flood Awareness
The Environment Agency’s Flood Action Week will commence on Monday, 12 October, aimed at increasing awareness of flood risks and informing the public about protective measures they can take for themselves and their properties. Emma Giffard, a flood resilience engagement advisor for the Environment Agency, highlighted the significance of local knowledge in managing flooding risks, stating, “This Community Resilience Day presents a valuable opportunity for community representatives to connect with organisations that can assist them, witness equipment demonstrations, and receive tailored advice.”
For additional announcements and information, residents can follow local social media pages and visit the campaign’s website to sign up for complimentary flood warnings.
Getting Involved
Members of the public and media interested in attending the event can secure their places via Eventbrite, with ticket sales closing on 14 October. Somerset Prepared is a collaborative partnership working closely with communities to provide advice, training, and support aimed at improving local emergency preparedness. Membership encompasses a variety of organisations committed to enhancing community resilience, including the Avon & Somerset Police, British Red Cross, and the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service.
For further guidance on preparing for emergencies in Somerset, including safety tips for home, community, and workplace, visit somersetprepared.org.uk. For inquiries, please reach out via somersetprepared@somerset.gov.uk or floodwessex@environment-agency.gov.uk.
With the Environment Agency preparing for both ongoing drought conditions and potential winter flooding, the importance of community resilience planning has never been more critical.