13.04.2023

Casey Cleans Cornish Beaches for DofE

Casey Craigie is enrolled on her Bronze Award at Wadebridge School in Cornwall. For the volunteering section of her award Casey has chosen to assist an organisation with keeping the beaches in her local area clean.

Casey says: “I was encouraged to take part in DofE by my Mum and friends. Volunteering is helping me make friends, as there is group of us who go together. It helps connect me with DofE staff at school who I wouldn’t otherwise see. I’ve learnt new skills from the leaders at Beach Guardian and I am considering continuing to volunteer there after DofE.”

Beach Guardian CIC is a Community Interest Company based in Cornwall. The organisation arrange community beach cleans and conduct educational workshops with schools and other groups to connect people with the environment to improve health and wellbeing of both people and the planet. Rob Stevenson co-founded Beach Guardian with his daughter Emily in 2018 and has seen a number of DofE participants become involved since then.

Rob says: “We really enjoy supporting young people with their DofE as part of their volunteering. Beach Guardian provides equipment and training and regular beach cleaning events for participants to take advantage of.

We often have photos, emails and discussions with the young people, so that they can show us their achievements. We know that volunteering with us can make a really positive impact on the young person’s mental and physical wellbeing; they are out in nature for a time and you can clearly see the difference you have made with a beach clean or litter pick.

It’s inspiring for the young person, inspiring for us and inspiring for the rest of the community seeing young people give up their time to help their local environment. Many of the young people go on to continue volunteering or taking an interest in the natural world and how they can contribute to its ongoing protection.”

Claire Richards is the DofE Manager at Wadebridge School, where Casey is enrolled on the award and emphasises the value of new experiences on DofE participants.

Claire says: “Casey is gradually growing in confidence and learning lots of new skills, especially through her volunteering section with Beach Guardian.

Young people are learning new skills, volunteering in both the school and local community as well as building relationships with staff and other adults beyond the classroom. It is great to see them taking part in a range of activities they might not have otherwise undertaken.”

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