The National Communities Resource Centre (NCRC) has secured funding through the Westminster Foundation’s Community Grants programme to continue its Green Aspirations Days for primary schools across Chester and Ellesmere Port. The funding will support the year-long series of high-impact Aspirations Days at their home, Trafford Hall, near Mickle Trafford, Chester.
The Westminster Foundation’s grant will fund around 300 school children to attend the Aspiration Days in 2026. Children across nine schools taking part will combine outdoor team building activities, sustainability-focussed learning and an interactive ‘careers carousel’ from local green sector businesses.
The Green Aspirations Days are designed to help schoolchildren build confidence, broaden their horizons and explore big dreams for their future career at an early age. The programme prioritises schools in disadvantaged areas in Chester and Ellesmere Port, aiming to break the cycle of inequality and improve long-term outcomes for children who face barriers to opportunities.
Studies show that as of June 2025, nearly 950,000 young people in the UK are currently not in education, employment or training, the highest number in almost ten years. Disadvantaged young people are more likely to become NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training), yet only a minimal number of primary pupils have any meaningful contact with employers. NCRC’s work directly responds to these challenges children face by creating positive, early career encounters and access to learning experiences that many would not otherwise have.
NCRC piloted the programme in 2025, showing highly positive results. Pupils reported increased self-belief, a greater sense of excitement about future career opportunities and an improved awareness of the green sector and the available careers in the industry. Teachers that supported the children during the programme highlighted the value of giving the children the chance to learn in a nature rich environment, particularly for those with limited access to outdoor experiences.
Caroline Da Cunha, Cheshire Grants Manager, Westminster Foundation, said:
“We are delighted to support NCRC’s Green Aspirations Days across Chester and Ellesmere Port. It’s fantastic to see a programme that brings together outdoor activity, sustainability education and careers insight in such an engaging way. This is a unique offer for the area, giving young people an exciting opportunity to build confidence, skills and aspirations while enjoying time in nature.”
Lesley Burrows, Managing Director of NCRC said,
“We are immensely grateful to receive funding from the Westminster Foundation, whose values closely align with ours. With their support, we can continue our work to inspire the next generation of changemakers and community leaders. Working with the Westminster Foundation and schools close to our home at Trafford Hall is hugely important to us. We hope this opportunity will strengthen fantastic local connections long beyond the Green Aspirations Days.”
