Helping People Change Their World
The Sheila McKechnie Foundation has opened applications for its 2008 awards, inspired by the legacy of Dame Sheila McKechnie.
The awards will begin a search among communities across the UK for
people of all ages who are campaigning to change their world locally
and globally. These will be the people with the potential to set the
agenda for politicians on issues ranging from climate change to support
for children with dyslexia.
Tim Helweg-Larsen, a mechanical engineer won the 2007 Environment Award
for his campaigning on global climate change. Tim launched
zerocarbonbritain, a radical vision of Britain’s energy future:
www.zerocarbonbritain.com
The Awards helped TIm put his campaign on the map through 1:1
mentoring, coaching and shadowing influencers like Mike Dixon, special
advisor to the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
In 2008 the Environment Award will be sponsored by the Calouste
Gulbenkian Foundation. The Foundation, which aims to take an
innovative, international and involving approach to its work, is
interested in this most global of social change concerns and currently
supports projects intended to help raise environmental awareness among
the public.
Commenting on the bespoke support he received Tim said:
“The package of support I have received from the Sheila McKechnie
Foundation has provided an amazing step up in my campaigning, and in
framing the work of the small organisation I an newly running. Having
previously worked alone, I cherished the independence to direct my own
work. The Sheila McKechnie Foundation award has allowed me to begin to
realise the potential of directing an organisation to work for positive
change, and has superbly provided me with the guidance of others
already experienced and expert in their field.”
Sheila McKechnie Foundation Patron and Channel 4 presenter Jon Snow commented on the Awards:
“We want to make it possible for another Sheila, another passionate
informed campaigner, to break out and raise a voice from beyond
organised politics on behalf of those denied rights and opportunities”.
For more information or to interview Tim Helweg-Larsen please
contact Miranda Akhurst on 0207 770 7892 or
miranda.akhurst@sheilamckechnie.org.uk
www.sheilamckechnie.org.uk
