Students making a difference to their community with college litter-pick

Students and staff from New City College Havering Sixth Form rolled up their sleeves, put on their gloves and got stuck in to help clean up the local area around the Wingletye Lane campus.

Their efforts were praised by local residents and refuse collectors who stopped to thank the group and show their appreciation.

The volunteers collected rubbish from the roadsides, pavements and grass areas, filling large black sacks with discarded bottles, wrappers, cans and cardboard.

The initiative, supported by the Student Council and students on the Public Services course, followed New City College’s Green Week where there were activities about environmental sustainability and climate change. It also supported the #GBSchoolClean campaign by Keep Britain Tidy.

One student who took part said: “It feels good to do something that makes a difference and has a positive impact on our surroundings.”

Becky Konstandinou, Senior Lead Pastoral Tutor at the sixth form, said: “An activity such as litter-picking not only restores the pride that people feel about the community in which they live and learn, but it also boosts mental and physical health. Students were able to make connections with new friends as well as keeping active and present in the moment. It was enjoyed by all and was appreciated by our neighbours.”

She added: “This is the second litter-pick we have organised and we will be making it a regular activity. Everyone is welcome to join in.”

Deputy Principal Phil Hall, who joined staff and students in the clean-up, said: “By coming together for initiatives like this we not only improve our immediate environment but also cultivate a culture of social responsibility and environmental consciousness which was acknowledged by local residents who saw what we were doing and came out to thank us.”

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