Climate Action Intern @Faith & Belief Forum

Young people passionate about climate action, sustainability, leadership, and community transformation now have an exciting opportunity to become part of a groundbreaking environmental initiative in the United Kingdom. The BELIEVE in Climate Action Internship Programme 2026, led by the Faith & Belief Forum, is officially accepting applications for its first cohort of interns.

This innovative climate leadership initiative is designed to empower young people from underrepresented communities to actively engage in climate action, sustainability projects, and environmental leadership at both local and national levels. Supported by significant funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, the programme aims to create a more inclusive climate movement by amplifying voices that are often underrepresented in environmental spaces.

The BELIEVE project is not just another internship programme. It is a long-term movement focused on reshaping how young people from faith communities and diverse cultural backgrounds contribute to climate solutions in the UK.

What is the BELIEVE in Climate Action Project?

BELIEVE is a multi-year climate initiative funded through The National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund. The project received over £1.4 million in funding to support climate engagement and leadership development among young people from minority and underrepresented communities.

The initiative is spearheaded by the Faith & Belief Forum in partnership with the University of Cambridge and several climate-focused organisations and researchers. Together, they aim to create a new model for inclusive and community-driven environmental action.

The programme focuses on connecting faith, values, identity, and climate action. It recognizes that environmental sustainability is not only a scientific or political issue but also a moral and social responsibility that requires participation from all sectors of society.

According to the programme organisers, many young people from minority faiths and ethnic communities are deeply concerned about climate change but are often excluded from climate leadership opportunities. BELIEVE seeks to close this gap by creating pathways for participation, mentorship, training, and real-world action.

What Will Interns Do?

Selected interns will participate in climate-focused leadership activities and community engagement projects designed to make a measurable impact.

Interns may be involved in:

• Supporting school-based climate action clubs
• Participating in environmental education initiatives
• Co-leading sustainability and climate awareness campaigns
• Working with community organisations and policymakers
• Engaging in interfaith dialogue around climate justice
• Collaborating with youth leaders and environmental advocates
• Developing leadership, communication, and advocacy skills
• Participating in mentoring and professional development activities

The project also intends to connect interns with national and regional climate networks, allowing them to expand their professional opportunities and contribute meaningfully to environmental discussions.

Why This Internship Matters

Climate change continues to disproportionately affect vulnerable and marginalized communities worldwide. However, many environmental spaces still lack diversity and inclusive representation.

The BELIEVE Internship Programme addresses this challenge directly by ensuring that young people from different faiths, ethnic backgrounds, and communities have access to climate leadership opportunities.

The programme places strong emphasis on:

• Inclusion and representation
• Youth empowerment
• Community-led environmental action
• Interfaith collaboration
• Sustainability education
• Leadership development
• Social impact

This approach allows interns to contribute to climate solutions while also strengthening relationships across diverse communities.

Benefits of the BELIEVE Internship Programme

Participants selected for the internship programme can gain several valuable benefits, including:

1. Leadership Development

Interns will build practical leadership and communication skills through hands-on environmental projects and mentorship.

2. Climate Action Experience

Participants will gain direct exposure to climate campaigns, sustainability initiatives, and environmental advocacy work.

3. Networking Opportunities

Interns will connect with researchers, policymakers, educators, environmental organisations, and fellow youth leaders across the UK.

4. Professional Mentorship

The programme includes training and mentoring opportunities to help young people grow personally and professionally.

5. Community Impact

Interns will actively contribute to meaningful climate projects within schools and local communities.

6. Exposure to National Climate Conversations

Participants may engage with broader climate policy discussions and collaborative environmental initiatives.

Areas of Focus

The first phase of the programme will begin in selected regions across England, including:

• London
• Northwest England
• West Midlands
• East of England

The project is expected to expand to additional regions in subsequent years.

Partner Organisations

The BELIEVE project involves collaboration between multiple respected institutions and organisations, including:

• Faith & Belief Forum
• University of Cambridge
• Cambridge Interfaith Programme
• London School of Economics (LSE)
• Faith for the Climate
• Ashden
• Youth Environmental Service

These partnerships help provide research expertise, climate education support, mentorship, and community engagement opportunities.

Who Should Apply?

The internship is ideal for young individuals who are:

• Passionate about climate justice and sustainability
• Interested in leadership and advocacy
• Motivated to create positive social impact
• Interested in interfaith collaboration and dialogue
• Eager to work on community-based environmental initiatives

Applicants from minority faith groups, ethnic minority backgrounds, migrant communities, and multilingual communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Deadline

17 June 2026

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early and carefully review all application requirements before submission.

APPLY HERE

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