Words by Mark Hillson
As a company that prioritises the wellbeing of our employees and our impact on the planet, sponsoring an organisation that supports young people with life skills, improves mental health and focusses on marine conservation, perfectly aligns with our company values.
I visited The Dive Project in Porthkerris to find out more and was extremely impressed by the focus placed on the holistic development of young people through the many outdoor activities including learning to scuba dive. By investing in programmes that promote mental wellness and personal growth, it not only benefits the individuals involved but also contributes to creating a healthier and more resilient community.
Having lived in Cornwall all my life, I have had the benefit of being surrounded by our beautiful countryside and visited many of our wonderful beaches, and that’s led to a personal passion for the outdoors and protecting our environment. I find being in nature is one of the best things you can do to support your own wellbeing and The Dive Project really capitalises on that, creating an environment where young people can thrive while really connecting with their surroundings.
Preserving the earth’s natural resources is vitally important to us as a company and it’s clear to see how a project which puts emphasis on being in and supporting nature and natural habitats aligns with our values. Not only is it teaching young people about healthier lifestyles but it’s also teaching about topics that are critical to the future of the planet. This directly aligns with our own focus on sustainability education, with our overarching mission to live in a world where there is no more waste.
We have developed a range of educational resources available for teachers to use and currently run, on behalf of Cornwall Council, two visitor centres in Cornwall based in St Dennis and Bodmin where schools can visit for free and learn more about the importance of the waste hierarchy and what they can do to help protect out planet. I’m delighted to be involved in the sponsorship of such a fantastic project and look forward to visiting again soon.
Mark Hillson is General Manager of SUEZ, Cornwall. Working in partnership with Cornwall Council and local non-governmental organisations SUEZ brings an innovative solution to the management of Cornwall’s waste and recycling.