In this week’s good news round-up, we spotlight three uplifting stories that show how innovation, collaboration, and everyday action are driving real progress.

From backing the next generation, to reforesting the planet one tap at a time, this week we highlight how small actions — and strong communities — can spark meaningful change.

Here are three standout stories from the week of April 28 – May 4, 2025…

Local businesses unite to power future opportunities for young people in Blackburn

A network of 74 businesses in Blackburn and East Lancashire have come together to fund more than 40% of the running costs for Fusebox — a newly transformed youth centre run by Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone.

Following a £3.1 million refurbishment backed by government investment, Fusebox has now reopened, offering vital support for local young people, including skills development, job training, and access to sports facilities.

The centre’s patron network includes companies such as Fagan & Whalley, WEPA Professional UK, Handelsbanken, Vital Energi, BAE Systems, The Senator Group, and many more.

“We are honoured in becoming a proud patron supporter of the Blackburn Youth Zone, with the important work they do providing fundamental foundations to support a stronger community initiative for future generations,” said Stephan Fagan, Commercial Director at Fagan & Whalley.

Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone chair Wayne Wild added: “We are incredibly grateful for our patron network – now 74 strong – whose generosity contributes just over 40% of our annual costs.

“We are always looking to grow our business network and welcome any new companies that want to join us as we inspire young people to gain skills and aspirations, to gain the best jobs in the future, genuinely levelling up opportunities for future generations.”

Read more here.

Treeapp brings gamified climate action to France

Treeapp, the free mobile app that turns digital engagement into real-world reforestation, has launched in France — marking the next chapter in its mission to make climate action easy, accessible and fun.

Treeapp can help businesses reach their sustainability objectives by growing a company forest.

Founded by French entrepreneurs and London Business School alumni Jules Buker and Godefroy Harito, Treeapp empowers users to plant trees at no cost through quick daily interactions with partner brands. With over 250,000 downloads in the UK and Ireland and more than 5 million trees already planted across 20 countries, the app is now set to grow its roots in its founders’ home country.

Treeapp’s unique approach uses gamification to encourage daily engagement. Users can track their impact, maintain planting streaks, and climb leaderboards — turning sustainable action into a habit that sticks.

By breaking down common barriers like cost, time, and know-how, Treeapp is helping more people take meaningful steps toward a greener future, offering a simple, free way to take impactful climate action every day.

National Walking Month campaign encourages UK to rediscover the mental and physical benefits of walking

Follow along on Living Streets’ social media throughout May. Image: instagram.com/livingstreets/

Living Streets has launched its annual National Walking Month campaign, urging people across the UK to embrace the #MagicOfWalking throughout May. The campaign highlights how walking and wheeling can support mental wellbeing, boost physical health, and create stronger connections with local communities — all at no cost.

A key focus this year is the #Try20 challenge, which invites participants to walk or wheel for just 20 minutes a day across the month. Later in May, the campaign also includes Walk to School Week (19–23 May), when hundreds of thousands of children across the country are expected to walk, cycle, scoot or wheel their way to school.

With the upcoming bank holiday weekend, the campaign arrives as a timely reminder of the benefits of stepping away from screens and busy schedules.  Learn more here.