D of E Award Scheme

Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful supports D of E students

Inspired by the activity which took place in Bromsgrove during the Great British September Clean, KBB were approached by local students who had just made the commitment to work towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

The scheme is available for any young person aged 14-24 years, and, if successfully completed, can lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. To achieve the award the young people must complete sections which involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition. The D of E scheme is all about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries. One of the activities suggested by the D of E programme for the community element is volunteering to litter pick. When the team at KBB were contacted they were keen to quickly work out how they could offer the opportunity for the students to achieve the required contribution. On Sunday 11th October, four Year 11 students from South Bromsgrove High School were the first to take part in a Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful organised litter pick aimed specifically at the D of E participants. With KBB member Julia Harper leading the group, they met at the Stoke Heath recreation ground at Hanbury Turn and set about cleaning up the area. Charlie Beaver, Jonathan Schofield, Evan Watts and Lewis Shorrock have each made the commitment to carry out a litter pick for an hour each week for six months. They will report in to KBB via the Facebook page so that their volunteer hours can be recorded and officially signed off as a contribution towards their Silver Award. The students were each given a litter picking kit containing a white KBB high vis vest, a bag hoop and a litter picker. The kit has been generously sponsored by Worcestershire County Councillor Shirley Webb, who has supported KBB since its inception. KBB Founder and Chair Sarah Milburn said. “We are so excited to be able to give this opportunity to the D of E students. Litter picking is all about creating behaviour change - the more we show pride in our neighbourhoods and communities, the more people will want to look after the areas. When others see volunteers out and about, or via social media, it sends a message to them - and ultimately we hope that will result in less litter dropped, less to pick up and a better environment for all.” To find out more visit www.facebook.com/groups/

KeepBromsgroveBeautiful