The project, which is supported by a £8000 grant from the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority and Veolia Community Fund, is part of a wider initiative in the local area that’s working with a range of communities and residents to improve recycling, prevent fly-tipping and improve the local area and its green spaces.
One of the groups in the area includes a growing community of Roma families - and it was pupils from these families who attend St Hugh’s Catholic Primary School and Smithdown Primary School that enjoyed a visit to the Gillmoss Recycling Discovery Centre to see recycling in action out more about what happens to their waste.
Julie Aitchison, Project Officer, from Granby Toxteth Development Trust said: “It is great to see the young people taking such a keen interest in finding out more about how they can become Recycling Heroes in their communityAlexandra Bahor, Roma Community Development Worker said “It is a good example to see changes in the attitudes of young people who come from countries where recycling is not a priority. Here in the UK they can get involved in improving their neighbourhood and encourage adults to join in to create a healthier community.”
The visit allowed the group to see how recyclable materials are delivered to the facility and are then sorted into separate streams using technology and some people power! – and took part in a range of activities and games.
Cllr Graham Morgan, Chairperson of Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority said: “We’re thrilled with the success of this project – by supporting the Granby Toxteth Development Trust we’ve enabled them to reach out to a wide range of communities with recycling and reuse messages. By recognising some of the barriers that these sometimes hard to reach groups experience, the project has developed a range of activities to ensure both an better understanding of recycling services and actions, but also improved health and well-being overall.”
