Beach clean group awarded O2 grant

The Society is to receive £300 funding and support from O2, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Youth Forum. The Think Big project involves supporting young people aged 13 to 25 so that they can develop their ideas.

The conservation group, made up of volunteers of all ages, is co-ordinated by 21-year-old Amanda Wilson from Carrickfergus. Amanda has been organising beach cleans for the past year and a half and is currently gearing up for Beachwatch Big Weekend, the only UK-wide beach clean and litter survey.

“We’re so grateful to O2 for providing the support we need,” Amanda said. “The funding will be used to promote Beachwatch Big Weekend, right across Northern Ireland. We’ll be purchasing leaflets and promotional pencils to make sure everyone hears about Beachwatch.

“With the help of the O2 Think Big funding we’ll also be attending exhibits at several festivals to invite as many people as possible to our beach cleans.”

If you would like to get involved with MCS’s Beachwatch Big Weekend, either as a beach clean organiser or as a volunteer, visit www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch. With 28 beach cleans happening in Northern Ireland from September 16 - 19, there are lots to get involved with.