A select number of Yorkshire's youth climate activists that will be attending the COP26 summit to show the world how climate change impacts young people.
As the COP26 kicks off in Glasgow this week, leaders from around the world are discussing what can be done about the climate crisis.
Here in Leeds, we may not have the Greta Thunberg to share inspiring speeches and start a movement against carbon emissions, but we do have young people aplenty that could rival her presentations.
The Regional Youth Climate Assembly (RYCA) for Yorkshire and the Humber are fuelled by young climate activists ready to take the world on.
Inspired by the work of 18-year-old Greta Thunberg, members of these organisations, amongst other enthused teenagers will be travelling to the COP26 to ensure that the message of working locally to solve a global problem is addressed.
Members of the RYCA after their COP26 meeting. / Image: RYCA Official
Many of these activists believe that climate change is one of the most important challenges for young people to navigate.
According to a Bath University study, almost 60% of young people are either very or extremely worried about the climate crisis.
The study of 10,000 people found that over half of participants believe "humanity is doomed" and fuels much of the anxiety and fear within society today.
The RYCA is made up of teenagers from every corner of Yorkshire, with a particularly strong presence in Leeds, Sheffield and Doncaster.
Speaking out about their organisation, representatives have explained that they are not "just the typical A star students". There are plenty of typically disengaged teenage boys that want to get involved and often ask the RYCA how they can make a difference.
The presence of both the RYCA and other local climate activist groups like Youth4Climate Leeds have made Leeds into a prominent city for climate activism, holding strikes and sharing endless petitions online to make the public aware of their responsibility to the planet.
A recent climate emergency strike held by Youth4Climate Leeds. / Image: Youth4Climate Leeds
However past workshops and events will soon be considered a small step compared to the RYCA's venture to the COP26 this week.
The Yorkshire activists will be showing their project entitled 'The Ripple Effect', a film that showcases young people's voices across the world.
The project will allow young people to share their personal experiences of climate change: from the droughts in South Africa to 10-year-olds sharing the life-changing effects of flooding.
Regional climate meetings are more prominent in Yorkshire than any other county, according to the RYCA.
There are currently no similar groups in Cambridgeshire or Kent, areas that have been previously known for activism.
To follow RYCA's journey at the COP26 summit, visit their Instagram page.
Silver's Bakehouse is finally here, and it's just as fabulous as we'd hoped.
Just when you thought Leeds’ favourite sandwich spot couldn't get any better, they go and open a bakery.
Silver's Bakehouse has opened its beautiful pastel green doors today over in Farsley to queues of excited fans eager to get their first taste.
So, what's on offer at Silver's Bakehouse?
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Well, as masterminds of the almighty sandwich you'll be happy to know you can still get one here. However, their iconic sub sarnies have had an Italian makeover and are now served in fresh, springy sourdough which is baked onsite.
Elsewhere on the menu you'll find brown butter buttermilk brownies (try saying that three times), a range of delicious cookies, sausage rolls, soft amaretti biscuits and Dark Arts tiramisu.
There's also a fab selection of Italian drinks on offer in a swanky new fridge, as well as a coffee menu so you can pick a brew to go hand in hand with your chosen baked good.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The interior is just as gorgeous, complete with yellow walls, red tiles and a mirror hanging above the baker's table so you can really see all the magic happen.
And trust us, it is magic.
There's a couple of benches outside so you can plonk yourself in the sunshine to enjoy your sarnie, which is what we'll be doing in this glorious bank holiday sunshine.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can really tell this is a proper labour of love, and Chris and the team have done a cracking job of keeping that Silver's spirit in there.
Go and say hello to congratulate them on this fabulous new opening, it's a great addition to Farsley and the Leeds foodie scene.
Government to slash prices of bus travel, cinema tickets and LOADS more across UK for kids this summer
Emily Sergeant
Cinema tickets, trips to the theatre and the zoo, and children’s meals out are all set to be cheaper than ever this summer.
That’s because the Government has announced its newest initiative, Great British Summer Savings, which means that from 25 June through to 1 September 2026, a temporary reduced rate of VAT – down from 20% to 5% – will be introduced on children’s meals in restaurants and family leisure activities over the summer period.
Children’s meals served in restaurants, children’s and family tickets for the cinema, theatre, exhibitions, shows, and concerts, and admission tickets – for both children and adults – to a wide range of different attractions will be eligible for the discount.
Whether you want to visit an amusement park, fairs, circuses, museums, zoos, adventure parks, soft play centre, or something similar this summer, it just got a whole lot cheaper.
This aim of this initiative is to make family days out more affordable, while also supporting businesses through increased footfall.
The Government says it will work with eligible businesses to get the scheme ‘up and running’.
The Government is slashing the prices of cinema tickets, bus travel, and LOADS more across UK for kids this summer / Credit: Artem Kniaz (via Unsplash) | Supplied
And to make it even better, this is a UK-wide initiative, so no matter where you are in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, the reduced rate will apply.
Going one step further, there will also be free bus travel for children aged between five and 15 in England in August, helping to support families getting out and about this summer.
The Government says the Great British Summer Savings initiative supports the action it has already taken to reduce the cost of living – including cutting energy bills, freezing prescription charges, protecting motorists from fuel duty increases, and raising the minimum wage.
Businesses will be able to apply the 5% rate of VAT on eligible sales between 25 June and 1 September 2026.
Sophie Smith -
1st November 2021 
