ALTON Climate Action and Network (ACAN) is launching a new community hub in April at Alton Community Centre, offering groups, activities and events for all.

And it is asking people to come forward to get involved.

Jenny Griffiths, co-chair of ACAN, explained: “It is now or never if we are to succeed in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to keep global heating below 1.5-2 degrees.

“Our mission is to bring people and organisations together to tackle the climate emergency by raising awareness and through practical action.

“To increase ACAN’s reach and impact, we need more volunteers to inspire many more people to take action, in their households and in the community. A base at the community centre will help to create stronger and wider networks for a resilient, low-carbon community.”

She added: “We are very grateful indeed to Alton Town Council and individual councillors who have responded so generously to our appeal for funds over the last few weeks. We’ve also had some amazing donations to our crowd funding campaign, including an anonymous donation of £500 – the donor said, ‘Beginnings... thinking globally, acting locally’, which is so true.

“We only need another £3,000 to hit our fundraising target – please help if you can – every donation makes a difference. We want to be able to open the Hub most days of the week.”

To support this fundraising effort visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/acancommunityhub

With lots of activities planned for the hub, ACAN is keen to encourage as many people as possible to join in.

More volunteers are needed to help set up an exciting, informative and enjoyable programme of Earth-friendly groups. The plan is to run activities for children, such as a Grub Club, ‘talking about climate change’ sessions, a refill station to cut down on single-use plastics, arts and crafts focusing on the environment, a group on wildlife gardening, films, talks, social events – and a library of things where you can borrow – rather than buy – useful things for the home, such as drills and other tools.

ACAN was launched at an open meeting last June and now has several groups working on different environmental issues, such as Alton and Villages Local Action for Nature. It facilitated the launch of the successful Repair Café and Community Cupboard.

Mrs Griffiths said: “ACAN believes that community action is critical in the fight against climate change – when people come together they make things happen, they can change the world.”

To contact ACAN email [email protected] or visit www.altonclimatenetwork.org.uk