You may have seen students in white high viz vests out and about with their litter pickers, keeping the streets of the town clean.
Students who have entered in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme have to take up volunteer work as part of the schedule required to achieve the award.
34 young people from South Bromsgrove High School have chosen to take up litter picking as their voluntary contribution and the team at Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful have been delighted to support them.
Within the group there are 21 students aiming of the Bronze award which requires 3 months of volunteering and 13 students aiming for the Silver award who will need to undertake 6 months litter picking. Five of the students in the Silver group have returned to litter picking with KBB after doing it for their bronze awards, which they achieved.
Julia Harper is the KBB team member who looks after the group. She said “It really is wonderful to have so many students taking time out to volunteer to help to keep Bromsgrove litter free. The young people are required to go out once a week for an hour to litter pick. They are clearing up their own neighbours, areas close to the school and around Sanders Park. It’s a pleasure to be able to help them to support our town in this way.”
Founder and Chair of Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful is thrilled with the take up. Sarah O’Conor said “I’m really over the moon and so proud that the young people working towards their DofE awards have chosen litter picking in such large numbers. It is fabulous to see the photos of their efforts posted on the group’s Facebook page. They really are making a difference and I’m sure their behaviour has an impact on others, and it reduces the amount of litter dropped in the first place. Keep up the great work!”
The litter picking kit has been generously sponsored by a local company. Kirsten Bridgewater, partner at mfg Solicitors said: “The team at Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful do vital work in and around the town and we were delighted to support the litter picking initiative with a £1,000 donation for equipment. The town sees thousands of visitors every year so it is important for the local economy and the community to keep the streets, parks and shopping areas looking clean and tidy. It’s a wonderful project which involves young people too and we hope it continues for many years to come.”
To get involved with Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful visit the website www.keepbromsgrovebeautiful.com or find them on Facebook.