Climate Awareness and Community Empowerment at MILK Café

At the start of autumn in 2024, MILK Café, a vibrant hub of inclusivity and community, partnered with Parents for Future Scotland to deliver three transformative sessions focused on climate awareness, empowerment, and collective action. These sessions not only welcomed the change of season but also marked a season of growth, reflection, and action for everyone involved.

With its ethos of warmth and welcome — exemplified by the statement “No one is illegal” proudly displayed on its walls — MILK Café was the perfect setting for this inspiring journey.

A Healing and Empowering Experience

The sessions offered more than just knowledge; they created a space where participants could feel truly seen, heard, and supported. As one attendee expressed:

"The first session helped me to relax and sleep for more than five hours, something I hadn’t done in the last six months."

This testimony reflects the deeply restorative nature of the sessions, where the combination of safe spaces, engaging discussions, and a nurturing environment allowed participants to momentarily set aside their worries and focus on their well-being.

Reconnecting with Nature and Community

The journey began with a sensory nature walk, encouraging participants to connect with their environment by observing, listening, and touching. Many found this activity grounding and meditative, offering a much-needed pause from the challenges of everyday life. It was an opportunity not only to appreciate the beauty of nature but also to reflect on the delicate balance between human activity and the environment.

For some, this reconnection had an immediate and profound impact. As one participant shared:

"Walking outside and focusing on the little details of nature helped me feel calm and present in a way I haven’t felt in months."

Through this experience, participants gained a renewed sense of their role in caring for the natural world while building connections with others in the group.

Stories That Unite Us

The second session provided a platform for participants to share personal stories of how climate change has impacted their lives—both here in Scotland and in their home countries. From rising energy costs to the changing climate back home, these stories highlighted the global nature of the crisis while showcasing the unique resilience and perspectives of each participant.

Taking Action for a Better Future

In the final session, participants explored practical ways to create change. Together, we discussed the Warm This Winter campaign, which advocates for affordable and sustainable energy solutions, and explored how personal advocacy—through petitions, storytelling, and community involvement—can amplify their voices.

The Role of Parents for Future Scotland

As part of a global movement dedicated to climate action, Parents for Future Scotland is committed to empowering communities to address the climate crisis with urgency and hope. By partnering with organizations like MILK Café, we aim to foster conversations that lead to meaningful action while ensuring that vulnerable and underrepresented voices are included in the dialogue.

Gratitude for MILK Café

These sessions wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of MILK Café. From providing a warm, welcoming space to serving delicious food that brought everyone together, MILK’s hospitality created the perfect environment for connection and growth. Their commitment to creating a safe and inclusive space truly embodies the spirit of community empowerment.

As MILK Café prepares to move to a new venue 378 Cathcart Road-G42 7DF

We extend our best wishes for this exciting new chapter. The new space will undoubtedly carry forward MILK’s ethos of inclusivity and warmth, continuing to serve as a vital hub for community connection and inspiration.

Join the Movement

These sessions are just the beginning. As we work together toward a more sustainable future, we encourage everyone to get involved—whether by supporting campaigns like Warm This Winter or fostering similar conversations in their communities.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to MILK Café for facilitating these sessions and to the amazing participants who shared their stories, insights and hope for the future. To learn more about the Warm This Winter campaign or future events, visit We Demand To Be Warm This Winter

Together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable future—one story, action, and connection at a time.