Air quality volunteers sought in London

Clean Air Champions are to be given support and guidance in order to raise awareness about air quality issues in several London boroughs

Volunteers are being sought to promote clean air in the London boroughs of Hackney, Redbridge and Havering by sustainable transport charity Sustrans and campaign group Healthy Air.

The Sustrans scheme will provide training and support for Clean Air Champions to raise awareness about public health issues resulting from air pollution. The project is being delivered by the Greater London Authority (GLA) in partnership with Sustrans and is funded by the Mayor of London.

Sustrans’ Clean Air Champions leaflet – the charity is seeking volunteers to promote air quality awareness in London

Volunteers will be given induction training as well as guidance and support to organise events and campaigns, monitor local air quality and encourage people to cycle or walk more frequently.

Through the scheme, they will also be able to apply for £10,000 funding for their own air quality initiatives, such as building green walls and launching anti-car idling campaigns.

The project has been given funding for an initial six month period, with plans for it to continue if it is successful.

Sutrans are also looking for interested volunteers around Greater London — particularly in Fullwell Cross, Wanstead and Ilford — which are suffering from poor air quality.

The Sustrans website states: “We welcome applications from anyone that would like to do something to improve the air in Hackney, Redbridge and Havering. You don’t need any specialist knowledge about air quality to apply, just enthusiasm!”

According to the charity, the volunteer roles are flexible and designed to fit around existing commitments. Volunteers may typically expect to commit one or two days per month to the role.

The scheme follows the Active Travel Champions project previously launched by Sustrans, which saw volunteers give advice about walking and cycling in their local community, workplace, university or school.

More information on the scheme and an application form to be a Clean Air Champion is available on the Sustrans website. Those outside the aforementioned London boroughs who are interested in the scheme are also encouraged to get in touch.