DOZENS OF VOLUNTEERS from the biggest mentoring and employability project in Wales will clear plastics from beaches and waterways across the country this June.
The nationwide coordinated effort will remove pollutants and rubbish from some of our most treasured beauty spots during the annual Volunteers’ Week celebration.
All of those taking part are in recovery from substance misuse and mental health conditions – and are participating in the Cyfle Cymru peer mentoring and employability project.
Funded by the European Social Fund, the programme uses peer mentoring, personalised support and volunteering to help people gain confidence, earn qualifications and move towards and into successful employment.
Teams from across North Wales will gather at Porth Eirias in Colwyn Bay to clear plastics and rubbish from the beach, while Cyfle Cymru participants from Gwent will collect litter at the RSPB’s Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve between the Severn Estuary and River Usk.
Volunteers in Powys plan a number of events during the week including a nature walk and clean-up of the Montgomery Canal.
In the Dyfed area, teams will converge on some of the beaches most badly affected by litter – including Newgale and Broadhaven in Pembrokeshire, and Aberystwyth.
Volunteers from the Western Bay area – and from the Cwm Taf and Cardiff and the Vale regions, where a similar project Is delivered by Gofal – will also join the effort.
Concerned
Programme coordinator Marian Williams said the issue was a popular subject with Cyfle Cymru’s project participants.
“Over the last year, we’ve all become much more aware of the harm that rubbish and litter are doing to our environment – particularly plastics in our marine environments and waterways,” she said,
“People taking part in the Cyfle Cymru project are concerned about our wildlife, landscapes and environment, and are really keen to help tackle this menace – that’s why we’re so pleased to take part in a national litter pick during Volunteers’ Week 2019.
“We hope these events can help to demonstrate that – with the right support – people with direct, lived experience of substance misuse and mental health conditions can make a direct and positive contribution to our communities and to any workplace.”
Volunteers’ Week offers a chance to celebrate and say thank you for the fantastic contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK, and runs from June 1 to June 7 every year.
You can find out more about the Cyfle Cymru programme by clicking here, calling 0300 777 2256, emailing ask@cyflecymru.com or searching Cyfle Cymru on social media.
Cyfle Cymru is delivered by members of the DACW Consortium.
Cyfle Cymru is part of the Welsh Government’s Out of Work Service, supported by the European Social Fund.
