AFTER the success of The Great Bromsgrove Litter Pick for World Mental Health Day, the groups now want to rally more volunteers across the district to make it even bigger, be more regular and to cover every ward.
The original socially distanced collections on October 10 also saw groups, along with Bromsgrove Rocks, leave handwritten kindness messages to brighten people’s day and highlight mental health issues and how volunteering could help. Many of the messages were written by local young people, scouts groups, schools and clubs.
Volunteering is proven to have a positive effect on mental health and can help with managing depression, enhancing life satisfaction and wellbeing.
It can be valuable to the volunteer and to the people who benefit from their help.
Now the partnership wants to continue this good work by calling for more volunteers to help ‘The Great Bromsgrove Litter Pick’ cover other areas as it moves forward.
Volunteers are being sought in Barnt Green and Hopwood, Belbroughton and Romsley, Catshill, Cofton Hackett, Drakes Cross, Hagley, Hill Top, Hollywood, Lickey Hills, Lowes Hill, Norton, Tardebigge, Slideslow, Wythall, Perryfields and Alvechurch.
Although Litter Picks have already been completed in Charford, Catshill, Sidemoor, Rubery, Aston Fields and Burcot Lane areas, anyone wanting to undertake another one in their local patch should also get in touch.
Coun Shirley Webb, whose Portfolio covers Health and Wellbeing, said: “2020 has been one of the strangest and most challenging years we’ve ever faced in the UK and right across the world.
“It has been difficult mentally for a lot of people and recognition of World Mental Health Day and support for those struggling is more important than it has ever been.
“I am proud that so many residents across Bromsgrove have come together to help others and their environment.
“They have the most fantastic attitude and it is one that we should all adopt, particularly with the pandemic still in full swing. I was so proud to have been a part of it.”
Steve Vincent from Grace Church said: “As a member of Grace Church Bromsgrove, it was great to be able to take part in serving the local community that we love and raise awareness of World Mental Health Day.
“We had a great turn out on the Charford Estate litter pick and it was fantastic to be involved in a well organised event with adults and children of all ages.”
Partners involved in The Great Bromsgrove Litter Pick project include Community Safety, Starting Well Partnership, Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful, Grace Church, Police Cadets, Bromsgrove District Council and Parish Councils.
Anyone who would like to take part in a future litter pick in their ward can do so by emailing [email protected].
Those wanting to loan litter pick equipment can get in touch via Starting Well.
All volunteers will be briefed on safety measures prior to taking part and will be working in family or socially distanced groups in line with Covid guidelines.
