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This website was created as a practical resource to share knowledge and real-world experience, in the hope that it may help others improve air quality in their own communities. Shared here are the tried-and-tested resources that have been instrumental in facilitating conversations and driving progress in our founding county. If you find something useful, all we ask is that you kindly reference Safe Air Schools UK as a courtesy and share our website in case it helps others.

Hampshire

In Hampshire, air pollution is a serious issue, especially in Portsmouth, which faces significant challenges due to its dense population, port operations and traffic congestion.  No matter the outdoor air quality where you are, work is being done. Clean Air South, for example, urges immediate action in Portsmouth. A quick search will show you how to find your local Air Quality Strategy.  Our founder contributed to Winchester and Portsmouth, ensuring outdoor and indoor air were addressed, alongside practical tools such as classroom air filtration. 

Meet with the leader of your Local Education Authority.  Our founder met with hers last year, and progress has been made.  

Meet with your local Public Health.  Our founder discovered that public health in two local areas was a huge practical support. Mutual connections and local initiatives were shared.  Action has been taken and is ongoing.

Meet your MP.  Our founder arranged a meeting with her MP and took her children along for a chat. At the time, he was Secretary of State for Education, so they were especially pleased to explain the challenges. You can find your own MP here, details about their conversation here, and the tools used here.  It's a great experience for youngsters, too. Remember to keep in touch.

Meet with your local school leadership.  All schools now have a sustainability lead.  You could meet with yours, a school governor, or, like our founder, speak to the school's Eco Club Lead and Headteacher.  Keep in contact and work with them for the benefit of the children and staff.

Environmental Groups. Our founder belongs to several groups where she promotes understanding of the connections among outdoor and indoor air quality, climate change, and health. Collaboration is key, and the support has been invaluable. 

Through community discussion and a quick internet search, you are likely to find individual schools already using air quality monitoring and/or filtration, especially in new builds. Hampshire and neighbouring counties are also engaging in classroom air-quality research, with excellent resources.  

Local facts and figures, such as those shown, can help discussions. You can find links to your own region's data in the relevant section below.  If you need help, send us an email, and our Consultant Data Analyst will be happy to help.  

We customised the Safe Air Schools UK flyer for sharing during discussions with schools and decision-makers.  We've also used it to raise awareness in our community.  It's been adapted for Canada and France, too.  Let us know if you would like a customised Safe Air Schools flyer, and we will email it to you to download.

Could you build or donate an air filter to a local school?  Its a great way to teach children and spread awareness at the same time. You can find 'how to' here.  

Could you monitor air quality or CO2 in a local classroom?  The readings below are from an Aranet CO2 monitor and an ATMO Tube Pro, as reviewed by our partners, HouseFresh and our air quality expert.  Likewise, you can do the same in a school playground to raise awareness.

If you are unable to make direct contact with local decision makers, you can send them our template letter found here.