As part of YMCA Newcastle’s commitment to youth engagement and environmental stewardship, a group of young people aged 9 to 1 from the Junior Youth Club took part in a local beach clean-up initiative.

The activity was planned as part of a climate project through our Education Authority core funding to teach environmental responsibility, teamwork, and community action. The young participants, supported by youth leaders, spent the evening collecting litter, sorting recyclables, and learning about the impact of plastic pollution on marine life.

Armed with gloves, litter pickers, and bin bags, the group removed lots of rubbish from the beach in just two hours. They found everything from plastic bottles and food wrappers to abandoned fishing gear. The youth leaders facilitated short learning sessions to highlighting how everyday waste can harm animals and pollute oceans.

The clean-up sparked important conversations among the children about environmental responsibility. Several young people commented that they were shocked by how much rubbish they found and said they would now think twice about littering. Parents later shared that their children had taken the message home, even encouraging their families to recycle more.

“It made me feel proud because we made the beach better for people and animals. I want to do it again!” — participant, age 11

Outcomes:

• Increased awareness of environmental issues among young people

• Stronger peer connections and teamwork

• Positive public engagement with the YMCA’s youth programmes

• Plans to make the beach clean-up a regular event

This case study shows how small actions can create a meaningful impact, reinforcing the YMCA’s goal to empower young people as change-makers in their communities.