CAG Storytelling – Dawlish Against Plastic
The Community Action Groups (CAG) Devon project supports twenty four groups located in Mid Devon and Teignbridge, operating various projects such as community fridges, repair cafés, and beach cleans.
The project’s aim is to create a more sustainable future by empowering community groups to take action. The economic and environmental impact of these groups can be measured through gathering data and general number crunching, but what about the wider impacts? How do we gain a better understanding of the impacts on volunteers and communities? What better way than to ask volunteers themselves.
We’re sharing stories collected from seven CAG volunteers as they describe their experiences of volunteering in their local community.
Today’s story belongs to Vanessa Ryley who volunteers with Dawlish Against Plastic.
It all began with noticing the plastic debris she found whilst walking at her local beach. Vanessa couldn’t leave it, so she started picking the litter up and putting it in a bag.
From there, Vanessa started volunteering for Dawlish Against Plastic, a community group of like-minded people, focused on keeping the local area clean and sustainable. She shares insights into what she loves about volunteering, conversations with the public and why she thinks recycling isn’t the only solution. Volunteering has helped Vanessa get involved in her community and she enjoys the sense of achievement she feels at a personal level and when she sees the clean beaches.
If you’re interested in improving your local community and can spare an hour or two, why not connect with your local group? Groups in Mid Devon and Teignbridge can benefit from CAG Devon support but there are plenty of useful resources for groups in other areas. Visit CAG Devon or contact info@cagdevon.org.uk for more information.
Dawlish Against Plastic is one of many community organisations in Devon supported by CAG Devon, a project funded by Devon County Council.
