Trash to Treasure Eco-Warriors
– 2 min read
Words & Photos by Caroline Finn
Armed with bin bags and litter pickers a group of young people with additional support needs are taking eco-action in their local community.
And we were delighted to team up with them to help share their story.
Unity, a charity and social enterprise based in Dalmuir, works with people who are vulnerable, disadvantaged or at risk of exclusion.
They provide personalised support and group learning to adults of all ages.
As part of our Community Media project, funded by National Lottery Community Fund Scotland, we worked with their Clydebank Empower group to produce a green zine.
Through six creative story-telling workshops we explored their litter picking and community gardening activities and had lots of fun making artwork from discarded litter and household recycling.
The group have undertaken many ambitious creative projects over the years, so were full of enthusiasm for this new venture.
Service Co-ordinator David Watson explained many people have misconceptions about adults with learning difficulties and Unity Enterprises aims to challenge these myths and stereotypes.
He said: “They are a caring and close-knit group who understand and support each other with plenty of hugs to go round.
“They are also passionate about giving back to their local community and are particularly proud of their environmental activities.
“We want to show how much people with learning difficulties contribute to the local community.
“The sessions are designed to be fulfilling as well as fun; when we plan the activities we make sure there is a learning element to them. It’s not a social club.”
When out on nature walks the group were horrified by the amount of litter, so they started their Trash to Treasure litter picks.
“We want to give back to our community; it’s our way of helping,” explained group member Karyn.
And fellow participant Leah added: “I enjoy litter-picking. People say ‘well done’ when they see us.”
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