大象传媒

Meet the finalists in the Green category for 大象传媒 Radio Solent's Make a Difference Awards for 2024.

The Final Straw Foundation is based in Emsworth and works with local communities and businesses to highlight the impact of plastic pollution on our environment and to try to minimise the amount of plastic entering our local seas and wider oceans. They run a school outreach programme, reaching thousands of children in the south through assemblies and workshops. They also run regular beach and community clean-ups.

Dominik Reynolds, from Southampton, started organising drop-in beach cleans on Goatee Beach in Totton when he was 17-years-old. Over the past six years he has collected 1.2 tonnes of rubbish. Dominik wanted to set up regular local beach cleans, so that people knew when and where they could go to help clean their local area. "There is a wonderful mix of ages which is very positive to see. Many people comment on how rewarding they find the beach cleans and how good joining in has been for their mental health. A real bonus to know that the cleans are benefiting people as well as the wildlife and the environment."

The Repair Cafe Winchester has saved over a thousand kilograms of household items from ending up in landfill, since it launched in 2023. Volunteers run two monthly cafes in Winchester, where people can bring items to be repaired. "I believe this facility is a great thing for the people of Winchester to get items repaired by the volunteers who give their time freely and in a friendly atmosphere at no cost to everyone. They deserve recognition for their part in this very useful service which is free of charge."

Gary Wright is the co-founder of the Marchwood Men鈥檚 Shed, he has been a member of the Marchwood Conservation Volunteers for 5 years, he also helps build and place bird boxes in the local area. "Gary's an absolute star! He's always positive and inspires others. He's brought people together and made a huge difference to Marchwood."

The Make a Difference Awards are your chance to say 鈥淭hank You鈥� and show recognition and appreciation for people who love to make life better for others. Nominations for the 2024 awards have now closed and finalists have been selected by a panel of judges. The winners will be announced at our 大象传媒 Radio Solent Make a Difference Awards ceremony in September.

Show less