The Problem
Support for sustainability is growing across sectors and society, but we’re stalling: missing the commitment and skills to scale collective action.
As stakes are raised across producers and supply chains, industry practice and local communities, urgent action is needed to learn at the pace of change.
Our response
First Hand unlocks new routes to learn – fast, practical and close to the work.
First Hand is a product of collaboration with learners, learning providers, community groups, local government, educational institutions, and industry.
Our two-pronged approach, developing real world projects to build capability and sharing our approach to help inform the field, continues this iterative process. We’re learning and growing, growing and learning.
Ready to plan an experience?
Book a 30-minute discovery call or contact us to talk through your learning challenge.
The Project Team
Dee Halligan, Director
Julia Bena, Programme Manager
Gabrielle Edwards PhD, Researcher in Residence
Dominik Webb, Digital Media Associate
Emily Tulloh, Research & Development Lead (Stage 1)
Viandira Athia, Research & Development Assistant (Stage 1)
Jane Packman, Operations Associate
Our Story
First Hand is part of LEVERS (Horizon Europe, 2023-2026). We’re one of a family of nine exploratory projects, with partners including UCL Climate Action Unit and Trinity College Dublin.
It’s created by Forth, a Community Interest Company with non‑profit roots and commercial rigour. Our award-winning work includes other place-based projects like Maker Library Network and FixCamp and clients including the Design Museum and Google.
For more than a decade we’ve helped public bodies, developers, networks and educators turn places into classrooms – so more people can connect with the ideas and skills they need in a changing world.
