Project Surya

Wellbeing, nature and climate action working together.

Project Surya supports disadvantaged and underrepresented communities across Leicester by connecting wellbeing support with practical climate action.

The project helps people improve their health, connect with nature, understand environmental issues and take part in meaningful local action.

It is designed especially for communities who may be underrepresented in climate and sustainability conversations, including people who face poverty, discrimination, isolation, mobility barriers, cultural barriers or language barriers.

What Project Surya aims to do

Project Surya aims to:

  • Raise awareness of climate change in minority communities
  • Increase access to nature-based activities
  • Support people to take practical environmental action
  • Improve mental and physical wellbeing
  • Reduce barriers to participation
  • Build stronger connections between people, places and communities
  • Empower residents to influence decisions that affect their lives

How the project works

Project Surya combines trusted community outreach with accessible activities and workshops.

This may include:

  • Bilingual climate awareness sessions
  • Recycling, upcycling and sustainability workshops
  • Community gardening and green space activities
  • Volunteer training through Climate Connectors
  • Energy-efficiency advice in accessible formats
  • Litter picks and river clean-ups
  • Community action days

Why it matters

Health inequalities and environmental inequalities often affect the same communities.

Project Surya brings these issues together by helping people improve their wellbeing while also building knowledge, confidence and leadership around climate action.

The project is about more than awareness. It supports people to take part, lead activities and create long-term positive change in their neighbourhoods.