Call for young people in Doncaster to join environmental group

Doncaster’s branch of the Young Greens was co-founded by two enthusiastic teens who want to empower people their age to learn about politics and the planet.

Catherine Hollinghurst, aged 19, from Cantley, said: “We were never taught politics in school and then we were thrown out into the world and just supposed to know what to do and who to vote for.

“We currently have four members but we really want that to grow.”

The Young Green’s group was set up in the Summer of 2019 in Doncaster and the organisers want more young people to get involved.

Joe Marriott, aged 18, from Cantley, said: “It was Brexit that got me thinking about politics.

“I was 16 at the time and I couldn’t vote but since then I have realised how important politics are.

“Who you vote for affects your life and it’s important to be active in politics not just vote.”

Both members of the Young Greens say that they feel their voices are not always heard in Doncaster.

Catherine said: “I joined the Green Party because I care about the environment and I agree with their humanitarian aid policies around refugees and asylum seekers.

“That’s really important to me as I volunteer in those communities in Doncaster.

“I believe everyone should be equal and look after each other.”

The Young Greens are also heavily involved in the environment and are passionate about getting more people to be eco-friendly.

“I personally think slow fashion is a great option to help the environment - three-quarters of my outfit today is from a charity shop,” said Catherine.

Both agreed that the recent surge in coverage in the media is helping to raise awareness but more could always be done.

Joe said: “It’s not all down to an individual’s efforts.

“It’s just not feasible to change everything you do to be sustainable when big companies are not doing enough to reduce the damage they cause.”