Families can become sustainability experts through a brand new climate change educational initiative being launched this month across Staffordshire.

Organised by Staffordshire County Council's Community Learning Service, 'How On Earth' is a new online learning initiative which encourages families to learn together about the issues surrounding climate change.

Weekly activities will guide Staffordshire families through fun, flexible hands-on activities to spark conversations about climate change, connecting to nature and making small, sustainable changes to help our big planet.

Fun activity packs will be delivered to parents and carers weekly for free and will feature activities from how to plan waste-free picnics, to upcycling projects, or 'forest bathing'.

This new initiative, organised the county council's community learning team, working in partnership with local learning organisation Community Forest Service is underpinned by the latest understanding about environmental issues and introduces climate change research and ideas that link with each activity.

The course will end with each family making a pledge for one small change.

Philip White, Staffordshire County Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Economy and Skills said: "We've taken a lot of time to put this climate change family learning course together, and although it is delivered online, it is not about sitting in front of a screen!

"Families will receive a weekly activity pack, full of climate change themed ideas to try together at times to suit them, as well as online groups sessions and much more.

"We know that parents, carers and their children will learn so much about these crucially important issues that are affecting all of us, in a fun and exciting way. We can't wait."

The new online initiative, which is free and exclusive to Staffordshire residents aged 19+ who are parents or carers of children of all ages, begins on Saturday 15th January at 11am, but sessions will also be recorded, so families can catch up with the activities to suit them.

Parents wanting more information or to reserve a place should visit the Staffordshire Community Learning website or email the Staffordshire Community Learning service at [email protected]