Clean Up Britain launch Now or Never Campaign

A ground-breaking and innovative environmental behavioural change community campaign was launched today in Leamington Spa as part of Clean Up Britain’s project

The campaigning group chosen topic – it’s one most people have no clue about with hard hitting imaginary of animals being hurt or killed by litter. Litter is costing us in more ways than one, the time to act is now – 

The 12 month campaign which has its own dedicated website www.ItsNoworNever.org.uk  will be tackling litter head on, and other important, related topics – single use plastics, disposable coffee cups, fly-tipping and local businesses impact on the environment.

Clean Up Britain will be working closely with Warwick Business School Behavioural Science Group, Warwick District Council, community groups and other supporting partners to test out a variety of campaign approaches and nudges to encourage people to do the right thing.

Watch the video for further details… https://vimeo.com/265726238?ref=tw-share

Follow the campaign via the hashtags #litterkills and #cleanupbritain

 

Renfrewshire’s Street Stuff presented with our sponsored Hero of the Month award

Youth project recognised for helping Keep Scotland Beautiful in Year of Young People.

Street Stuff, a Renfrewshire youth initiative, has been presented with the prestigious Clean Up Scotland ‘Hero of the Month’ award in recognition of its efforts to engage young people in improving the litter, graffiti and dog fouling levels in their own communities.

Part of our Clean Up Scotland campaign the award acknowledges Street Stuff’s work to help reduce youth disorder and to instill responsibility in young people.

Street Stuff volunteers and coaching staff from St Mirren FC have assisted Renfrewshire Council with community clean up activities, including removing graffiti from public spaces and spraying dog fouling with paint to make it more visible – highlighting the problem.

Nicola Perrat (16) said: “Street Stuff gives me the opportunity to meet new people and get involved in activities I wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to. It’s fun taking part in Team Up to Clean Up campaign and I enjoy being able to make a difference to the local community.”

Jay Gibson (16) said: “It’s really important that we keep our local environment clean, tidy and free of litter. Taking part in the clean ups and dog fouling initiatives are fun and it’s good knowing you are making a difference.”

Nicola and Jay, along with other young people from Street Stuff joined us and Cllr Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, Gordon Scott, St Mirren FC Chairman, and Lindsay Richmond-Kearns of Helping Hand Environmental at St Mirren Park to be presented with the award. An image from the presentation can be accessed here.

Gordon Scott, St Mirren FC Chairman, said: “We’re delighted to have been chosen as Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Hero of the Month and it’s testament to the work of the Street Stuff volunteers and staff.

“We’re proud to support the Team Up to Clean Up campaign and will continue to work hard to improve Renfrewshire’s environment for the benefit of the entire community.”

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “We are delighted that Street Stuff have been named as the 50th recipient of the Hero of the Month Award.

“The work volunteers and staff do to engage local children and provide them with activities they may not normally have the opportunity to undertake is fantastic, and has been extremely successful since its inception in 2009.

“They are making a real difference to the local community through participating in litter picks, removing graffiti from shop fronts and supporting the Team Up to Clean Up dog fouling initiative.

“With £2.5million being invested across the next five years, we hope that many local community groups will be able to follow in Street Stuff’s footsteps as we continue to advance the Team Up to Clean Up campaign and make a tangible improvement to the quality of Renfrewshire’s environment.”

Heather McLaughlin, one of our Community Project Officers added: “High levels of graffiti, litter and flytipping are closely linked to community safety. By helping to tackle litter in their local area, Street Stuff, its participants and volunteers have all helped to make their local area both cleaner and safer for all of its residents.

“Keep Scotland Beautiful recognises that there are armies of volunteers all across Scotland working very hard to clean up and green up their local area. Clean Up Scotland can help to support their efforts as well as recognising the contribution made by individuals with our Hero of the Month award.”

Lindsay Richmond-Kearns, Communities Manager at Helping Hand Environmental, which provides a clean up kit to each monthly hero commented: “We are delighted to present Street Stuff with this award. I would like to commend them for successfully improving and delivering significant local environmental improvements in Renfrewshire.

“Helping Hand has been privileged to sponsor the Hero of the Month award in partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful since 2014, and have rewarded 50 Scottish Heroes to date”

Do you know a local Clean Up hero? Why not nominate them for a Hero of the Month award?

Clean Up Scotland Sticker Competition Winner Announced

Scottish school pupils help stick it to litter

Students presented with design prizes from Keep Scotland Beautiful

Environmental charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful, has today (Wednesday 28 February) announced the winners of its Scotland-wide competition for school pupils to design the stickers which help support the Clean Up Scotland campaign – an initiative which aims to make Scotland the cleanest country in Europe.

Schools across Scotland were challenged to design a sticker which said thank you to the thousands of Clean Up Scotland volunteers helping to remove rubbish from the countryside, seaside and roadsides. The competition received over 1,200 entries which were then judged by Keep Scotland Beautiful with the help of Helping Hand Environmental – British manufacturer of litter clearance hand tools and Clean Up Scotland preferred equipment supplier.

Three entries were selected, with P7 pupil Zoe Barbour from Sandford Primary, South Lanarkshire receiving the top prize. Followed closely by runners up Rachael Martin (P7) from St Peter’s Primary, North Ayrshire and Khabeerah Adams (P7) from Lourdes Primary, Glasgow.

Ellen Jack, Headteacher at Sandford Primary School, commented:

“The school community is delighted for Zoe and her recent success in the Clean Up Scotland sticker competition. It was a pleasure to participate in this competition, allowing the pupils to explore their creativity whilst thinking about the environment.”

Zoe was presented with her prize, a school Clean Up kit by Helping Hand Environmental and Keep Scotland Beautiful.

Carly Di Crescienzo, UK Sales Manager at Helping Hand Environmental, commented:

“Helping Hands are super proud to be involved in such a worthwhile project to engage young minds in a fun and interactive way. We are delighted again to be working to Clean Up Scotland for 2018 in partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful, a charity totally committed to making our world a better place.”

Heather McLaughlin, Community Projects Officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful, commented:

“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to enter the Clean Up Scotland sticker competition. All entries were fantastic, which made the judging particularly difficult, and we look forward to seeing Zoe’s design featuring on Clean Up Scotland stickers that go to all registered clean up participants this year.

“Volunteers all across Scotland work hard to transform the places that they live, work and play. If you want to get your hands on one of Zoe’s stickers, all you need to do is register your Clean Up event on the Keep Scotland Beautiful website to receive your Clean Up pack.”

To register your Clean Up event, all volunteers need to do is visit: www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/cleanupscotland and sign up. All registered events will receive protective tabards, Clean Up Scotland posters and stickers.

For more information about the competition: https://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/news/local-environmental-quality/clean-up-scotland/clean-up-scotland-sticker-competition/

 

 

Join us on the 2-4 March 2018 #GBSpringClean

In 2017 Keep Britain Tidy launched the first-ever, and hugely successful, Great British Spring Clean.  Together an army of #LitterHeroes cleaned up the country –  more than 300,000 people, across 13,000 organised events to clear more than 1,500 tonnes of litter from our streets, parks and beaches. By working together with nearly 300 local authorities, as well as businesses, schools, charities and community groups.

The campaign made a real splash, featuring on national TV, national newspapers, thousands of stories on local radio and papers, and even trending at number three on twitter.

The campaign is back for 2018 – with an ambition to make it even bigger and better. So save the date and on March 2-4 join Keep Britain Tidy for the Great British Spring Clean 2018, and help us make it even bigger. Or if you are taking part in Wales the campaign will kick off on St David’s Day organised by Keep Wales Tidy.

What’s more: Helping Hand Environmental have been selected as official equipment suppliers for 2018 where you can get a range of bespoke litterpickers and campaign vests. And find out more on our dedicated campaign page https://www.hhenvironmental.co.uk/community/

The Great British Spring Clean is the perfect way to get out in your community and make a difference. Every little bit helps…for more information on how you and/or your community can get involved, visit http://www.keepbritaintidy.org/

 

Live Here Love Here Litter Heroes Celebrated

Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful hosted the second Live Here Love Here Community Awards in Belfast Harbour Commissioner’s Office.

The event, compered by Lesser Spotted Ulster star Joe Mahon, was filled with inspirational tales from volunteers who have and continue to instil pride in the local communities through practical environmental action.

The fourteen award winners, aged 5 to 77, showed that caring for your local environment and working to make a change is a passion that spans all generations. From regular litter picks to the creation of shared community spaces these unsung heroes dedicate their time and efforts into making where we live cleaner, greener, safer and more sustainable.

The awards celebrated work such as litter picks, community involvement and going above and beyond all expectations. The bespoke award pieces, handmade out of recycled materials, were created using unplugged methods by David Keys Sustainable Woodcraft.

Helping Hand Environmental are delighted to be working in partnership with Live Here Love Here and enjoyed celebrating and honouring all the winners and finalists. We even developed bespoke Litterpickers for host Joe Mahon and Joyce Ferder Rankin.

The full list of WINNERS can be found below:

Live Here Love Here Award Winners

Antrim and Newtownabbey Litter Heroes Award

Honorary Mentions: Ruairi McCormack – Tidy Randalstown, Suzanne Winters – Tidy Randalstown
Winner: Tidy Randalstown

Ards and North Down Litter Heroes Award

Honorary Mention: Millisle Youth Forum
Winner: Beach Cleaners – Ards and North Down

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Litter Heroes Award

Honorary Mention: Magheralin Community Association
Winner: Peter McKernan, Banbridge Ramblers

Belfast City Litter Heroes Award

Honorary Mention: Springhill Live Here Love Here Garden Group
Winner: St. Mary’s CBGS Eco Club

Derry City and Strabane Litter Heroes Award

Honorary Mention: Clady Cross Community Development Association
Winner: John Lennon, Action on Hearing Loss Volunteer

Fermanagh and Omagh Litter Heroes Award

Honorary Mention: Frances Mitchell, Gortin Community Garden
Winner: Camowen Community Anglers

Mid and East Antrim Litter Heroes Award

Honorary Mentions: Brighter Whitehead and Friends of Bashfordlands Wood and Oakfield Glen
Winner: Nicholas Davis, Larne Renovation Generation

Mid Ulster Litter Heroes Award

Honorary Mentions: Blessed Patrick O’Laughran PS Eco Council, Castlecaulfield Horticultural Society and Screen Eco- Schools
Winner: Brénainn Brunton, St Columba’s PS Straw

Newry, Mourne and Down Litter Heroes Award

Honorary Mentions: Coastal Guardian Volunteers (Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership), Love Your Lough
Winner: Charlie and the Hamilton-Cooper Family

Adopt A Spot Award presented by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful

Honorary Mention: Ulidia Integrated College Eco Team (Mid and East Antrim Borough Council)
Winner: AES Kilroot Green Team (Mid and East Antrim Borough Council)

Good Neighbour Award presented by Choice Housing

Honorary Mentions: Kenny Henry (The Conservation Volunteers) (Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council) and Brighter Whitehead (Mid and East Antrim Borough Council)
Winner: Springhill Live Here Love Here Garden Group (Belfast City Council)

Community Together Award presented by Northern Ireland Housing Executive

Honorary Mentions: Clady Cross Community Development Association (Derry City and Strabane District Council) and Mae Murray Foundation (Mid and East Antrim Borough Council)
Winner: Magheralin Community Association (Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council)

BIG Transformation Award presented by McDonald’s

Honorary Mention: Campsie Residents Association (Fermanagh and Omagh District Council)
Winner: Millisle Youth Forum (Ards and North Down Borough Council)

Spirit of Live Here Love Here Award presented by Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Honorary Mention: Brenainn Brunton (Mid Ulster District Council)
Winner: Screen Eco-Schools (Mid Ulster District Council)

Find out more at http://www.liveherelovehere.org/cgi-bin/greeting?instanceID=1

Costa Coffee Reading Week Design a Litterpicker Competition a Huge Success

Back in September we worked in partnership with 550 Costa stores each  hosting a Costa Reading Week between 11th & 17th September 2017 and for all pupils, parents and staff who have been selected will be sent a school’s  delivery pack.

Through the 550 Costa stores involved, more than 33,000 children across the UK will benefit from the project!

Helping Hand Environmental created a Design Your Own Litter Picker competition entry form where pupils could not only design their own equipment, but also see the winning design come to life when Helping Hand manufacture the design and present it to the winners!

We received so many entries from across the Unite Kingdom from pupils of all ages we had a very difficult task of selecting just one winner. Instead we decided to have x3 national runners up these included:

  1. Amelia Munroe, from Niton Primary School, Cowes, Isle of Wight
  2. Callie McMinn, from Laurieknowle Primary, Dumfries, Scotland
  3. Grace Evans, from St Josephs RC High School, Newport, Wales

 

Throughout December we have been presenting our three national runners up – and just before Christmas we had the privilege of presenting the overall winner St Edwards Primary School, Plymouth to Chloe Barratt who developed a Fox Theme Litterpicker in support of the Costa Reading Week resources – Barney & Echo.

Helping Hand’s Dan Miller was supported during the winners presentation by Callum from Costa Plymouth and Neil from Keep Britain Tidy Beachcare programme. Chloe was also joined at the surprise celebration assembly by her parents.

Christmas Shutdown Dates

Helping Hand Environmental want to ensure every customer is guaranteed their order in time the festive season. Should you need any products in time for Christmas, place your order by:

Monday 11th December for personalised or non standard AND
Monday 18th December for ex stock items.

Plus ALL orders over £150 will receive FREE Christmas delivery. Call our Sales Team today on 01531 635678.

The Helping Hand Company will close for business on Thursday 21st December and reopen on Tuesday 2nd January 2018. 

We will still be accepting online orders online during our Christmas Shutdown period, but we will not be processing your order until we return to work on Tuesday 2nd January 2018.

May we take this opportunity to thank you for your custom throughout 2017 and wish you a very Merry Christmas & New Year!

“Remarkable dedication to the environment” as Glasgow man scoops national award

A Glasgow man has received the prestigious Clean Up Scotland “Hero of the month” award in recognition of his continuing efforts to pick up litter in his local communities of Shawlands and Queens Park. The award is part of the national Clean Up Scotland campaign, organised by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful.

Edward Kirkwood, who is a full-time wheelchair user, has dedicated much of his time over the past six years to help protect and enhance the cleanliness and environmental quality of his local streets and open spaces. His infectious enthusiasm for the task of cleaning up has seen his efforts go viral in a video posted online by one of his many local friends and supporters, and now he has become the recipient of the auspicious national Clean Up Scotland award.
Edward undertakes the clean-up activities on a purely voluntary basis, although he is keen to regard it as “his work”, and a great way to ensure he gets out the house and makes a positive contribution to a cleaner, greener Glasgow.

The video was used to raise funds through a crowdfunding tool for a powered wheelchair for Edward, and raised the fantastic sum of £5368 from 368 different contributors, most of whom were local Southside residents, who had seen Edward’s cleanup work first hand.

The Clean Up Scotland Hero award is supported by Helping Hand Environmental which provides each Hero with a Clean Up kit – including a new Scottish litter picker and handy hoop.

On receiving the Hero of the Month award, Edward Kirkwood said:  “I litter pick to keep the vermin away. I litter pick any area around my home to keep the place looking clean, including around some local pubs and hotels”.

Derek Robertson, Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful said: “I would like to congratulate Edward for his unwavering commitment to keeping his local community clean. His efforts help to demonstrate that volunteers can make a massive difference in building civic pride in local areas, whilst sending a clear message to those that drop litter that their carelessness is unacceptable. His contribution should inspire us all and shame those who discard their litter irresponsibly. “Volunteers are working hard Scotland-wide to improve and enhance their local communities. I would encourage even more people to nominate their local Clean Up Scotland Hero so that they too can receive wider recognition for their hard work.”

Every month Keep Scotland Beautiful recognises an individual or group who has made an outstanding contribution to improving local environmental quality. Local residents are encouraged to nominate someone in their own community that has demonstrated their sustained commitment to cleaning up their local area and making improvements in local environmental quality.

Further information on how to nominate your local hero can be found at www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/nominate-a-hero

Colin Mackie presented with environmental accolade

Local man receives national recognition for helping to transform the Southern Necropolis

Colin Mackie, originally from Oatlands, now living in Bridgeton, has received the prestigious Clean Up Scotland “Hero of the Month” award in recognition of his continued commitment to transforming the Southern Necropolis. The award is part of the national Clean Up Scotland campaign, organised by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful.

A leading member of Friends of Southern Necropolis and the Southern Necropolis Action Group, Colin and his wife Elsie have worked with a team of volunteers to deliver a significant transformation at the cemetery, turning it into an education, historical and ecological hotspot for the city.

Glasgow City Council Neighbourhood Improvement Volunteer, Colin, has helped to lead the group in a number of activities, from carrying out regular litter picks and community clean ups etc, – turning the Southern Necropolis into an acclaimed community project and a cleaner, safer and welcoming place to visit.

Colin now runs an educational project with local schools so that they can learn about the heritage of the cemetery.

On receiving the award Colin Mackie commented:

“I have been passionate about the history and heritage of the Southern Necropolis for nearly 30 years and also value the importance of caring for the environment throughout the cemetery.

“We have an onsite Heritage Trail that continues to attract an increase in visitors, and as such, it is even more important to maintain a level of cleanliness around the pathways and rows of headstones.

“Recently we have been promoting our Resurrecting History Project and involving local primary schools by sharing the history and heritage of the cemetery, raising the children’s awareness of valuing and respecting the environment of the Southern Necropolis. The last session with the schools includes a Heritage Walk and Litter Pick, when we are joined by a member of Community Safety Glasgow on a walk around the perimeter of the three sections of the cemetery.

“As a member of a team of dedicated volunteers, I am grateful for everyone’s help and also the support from our partnership organisations, and would also like to thank Keep Scotland Beautiful for this award.”

The Clean Up Scotland Hero award is supported by Helping Hand Environmental. UK Sales Manager Carly Cooper presented Colin with his own Clean Up kit – including a special Scottish litter picker and handy hoop.

Yusuf Faisal, Senior Neighbourhood Involvement and Enforcement Officer at Community Safety Glasgow nominated Colin for the award.

Yusuf Faisal commented:

“Colin Mackie has been inspirational and he has shown ongoing dedication in keeping Glasgow Southern Necropolis Cemetery clean and free from litter. The Southern Necropolis Action Group carries out a regular community clean up every Sunday and with this kind of support the Neighbourhood Improvement Volunteers are continuing to make Glasgow an even better place to live, work and play.”

Yusuf joined Heather McLaughlin, Community Projects Officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful in presenting Colin with the award.

Heather McLaughlin commented:

“We are delighted to present Colin with this award. His drive and commitment has helped to lead the group to deliver a tremendous transformation of this wonderful outdoor space.

“I would like to commend both Colin and all of the local volunteers for their success in improving this outdoor space for local residents and delivering significant local environmental improvements

New Partnership & Litterpickers online for 2MINUTEBEACHCLEAN

#2MINUTEBEACHCLEAN campaign is delighted to announce a new working partnership with Helping Hand Environmental the UK’s #1 Litter Clearance Hands Tools Company and launch an exciting development to their relationship – and online webshop selling official #2MBC litterpickers!

The Helping Hand Company, based in Ledbury, Herefordshire has become an Official Supporter and the ‘Equipment Partner of Choice’ to #2MINUTEBEACHCLEAN. The new working partnership for 2018 sees new litter pickers are available in both adult and children’s sizes and will be used by volunteers taking part in beach clean-up campaigns for the #2MINUTEBEACHCLEAN movement and supplied with all official #2MINUTEBEACHCLEAN boards.

Volunteers can also buy the new litter pickers as part of the #2MINUTEBEACHCLEAN Online Shop http://www.beachclean.shop/ in association with Helping Hand Environmental. The scheme enables volunteers, community groups, businesses and schools to purchase discounted equipment, as well as raising funds for 2 Minute Beach Clean.

Lindsay Richmond, Communities Manager at The Helping Hand Company added: We are super excited to announce a new partnership with #2 Minute Beach Clean, a joining together of two innovative organisations who share principle values in protecting our environment for the future through people, places and partnerships.

Our support program is so much more than just giving money. For 2018 we have a full packed calendar, being actively involved with beach clean initiatives across the UK – volunteering, fundraising and donating to the charity. We are committed to helping Martin and the 2 Minute Beach Clean campaign – together we will make a difference”.

Make sure you quote 2MBCGROUP when placing your order with Helping Hand Environmental on 01531 635678.

Notes to Editors

  1. For more information about Helping Hand Environmental call 01531 635678 or visit www.HHEnvironmental.co.uk or follow them on Twitter @Litterpickers
  2. Please note 2MBC staff members, business or groups who wish to order directly with Helping Hand just need to quote 2MBCGROUP when placing their order directly.
  3. Online shop available at http://www.beachclean.shop/