Space Generators Presentation

Slide 1. Welcome – Why We’re Here

Introducing Space Generators and the Climate Emergency Centres (CEC) network. Connecting MSc students with a UK-wide sustainability movement that transforms vacant buildings into community climate hubs.

Speaker note: This collaboration offers real-world experience in sustainability, digital engagement, and community development.
Slide 2. Space Generators – The Parent Organisation
  • Founded in the 1990s; UK charity turning empty buildings into eco-community hubs.
  • Promotes sustainability, arts, and training; works with councils and landlords.
  • Mission: “Turning empty buildings into living eco-community hubs for people and planet.”
Speaker note: Emphasise their long-standing experience in community reuse and environmental innovation.
Slide 3. The Climate Emergency Centres (CEC) Network
  • National network of locally managed climate hubs, developed by Space Generators.
  • Each centre operates autonomously but shares resources and ethos via the network.
  • 25+ active or developing centres across the UK.
Speaker note: Grassroots, decentralised model focused on local empowerment.
Slide 4. Case Example – Islington Climate Centre
  • 170+ events in 2 years; 50+ volunteers; 12 core members.
  • Partnerships: GLA, Islington Council, Restart Project.
  • Workshops: Climate Fresk, Biodiversity Collage, Fixing Factory.
  • Core aims: Engage · Inform · Connect.
Speaker note: Use ICC as a tangible example of what a CEC can achieve.
Slide 5. How the Organisations Relate

Space Generators is the umbrella charity providing templates, training, governance and support. The CEC Network is the distributed set of local centres implementing the model in their communities.

Speaker note: Parent–network relationship; Space Generators acts as enabler/advisor, centres deliver locally.
Slide 6. Why Involve University Interns?

For CECs: expands digital and communications capacity; adds research and creative input.

For students: hands-on sustainability experience, professional skills & networking, remote teamwork within a real NGO environment.

Speaker note: Stress mutual benefits and real-world outcomes.
Slide 7. Internship Roles & Skills Development
  1. Social Media – manage Instagram/X/LinkedIn
  2. Email Marketing – create campaigns via Mailchimp
  3. Data Entry – maintain & clean contact lists
  4. Research – identify grant makers and funding sources
  5. Website Management – update WordPress sites
  6. Green Jobs Training – map opportunities and employers
Speaker note: Link each role to digital or sustainability goals.
Slide 8. Supervision and Support
  • Mentorship by Space Generators coordinators
  • Weekly online check-ins
  • Project-based outputs (campaigns, toolkits, research)
  • Liaison role ensures alignment between university and organisation
Speaker note: Reassure this is structured and supported.
Slide 9. The Newham and UEL Context

Why this partnership matters to us: The Climate Emergency Centres embody the same principles that underpin Newham Mosaic and NAIC (Negotiating AI as a Community) “Borough Brain” initiative — the idea that local, interconnected communities can act intelligently together to address systemic challenges.

By linking students, digital infrastructure, and community hubs, we are effectively building a “community brain” — a shared ecosystem of learning, creativity, and civic participation. What we learn from this project will be documented and inform the development of community structures in Newham.

Slide 10. Call to Action

Students: choose a role, commit to a 6–12 week remote internship, and help tell the story of community climate action.

Organisations: offer mentorship and context; amplify student contributions.

Slide 11. Next Steps
  1. Register interest after this presentation
  2. Intro meeting with Space Generators / CEC team
  3. Define a small pilot project
  4. Set up regular feedback & reflection sessions
Slide 12. Closing Quote
“A society grows great when it plants spaces where future generations can thrive.”