The Torbay and Devon Civic Award is always delighted to share inspirational achievements ad efforts by the amazing pupils taking part.
The Abbey School in Torquay have fully embraced the award over many years and this year two pupils, Brett and Edith, have accomplished a truly inspiring example of active citizenship
They have independently created a community initiative called The Green Wave, raising awareness for Horatio’s Garden – a charity supporting patients with spinal injuries through accessible therapeutic gardens. Their motivation is deeply personal, following Brett’s uncle’s experience of spinal injury and the positive impact the garden had during his recovery.
What has been particularly impressive is that this has been entirely pupil-led. From the initial idea through to community outreach, everything has come from their own initiative.
They are:
- Encouraging schools, nurseries, businesses and families across Torbay to get involved
- Promoting awareness through social media using #TorbayGreenWave
- Organising simple, inclusive ways for the community to participate
- Symbolically covering 115 miles – the distance from Torquay to Salisbury – to represent the journey families make for specialist care
Today, they also had the opportunity to meet with Steve Darling MP, who showed a great deal of interest in their work and is keen to support the project moving forward. It was a wonderful moment for them and a real reflection of the impact they are already having within the community.
Their work is thoughtful, compassionate and outward-facing – a genuine example of young people making a positive difference within their community.
Below is their newsletter, which they designed themselves, to give a fuller picture of the project.
Well done Brett and Edith! What an achievement!
A Go Fund Me page has been set up by Edith and Brett who are raising funds for Horatio’s Garden which can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-green-wave-project-how-far-can-the-green-wave-go
People with spinal injuries need gardens like these. At Horatio’s Garden, we know this, and that’s why we build, care for and expertly staff transformative gardens at NHS rehabilitation centres. Visit their website at https://www.horatiosgarden.org.uk to learn and find out more.
