In the heart of Birmingham, the BSG LIVE’24 event, hosted by the British Society of Gastroenterology at ICC Birmingham, showcased not only advancements in medical research but also a commitment to sustainability and community impact. The event’s leftover materials were sent to Event Cycle to repurpose surplus materials into meaningful contributions for a select few charities.
Leading the Charge in Sustainable Event Management
At BSG LIVE’24, their collaboration with Event Cycle exemplified their dedication to delivering their events with consistency and quality while minimising environmental impact. By repurposing graphics, foamex boards, and toys from the event, they not only reduced the environmental impact whilst increasing the community impact in the process.
From Signage to Social Impact
Supported by Charity Landau, Calluna Upcycling played a pivotal role in transforming event materials into tangible social impact. Skilled sewers at Calluna Upcycling creatively repurposed the event graphics into 61 eco-friendly tote bags. These bags, distributed to local charities, not only reduce waste but also empower individuals facing challenges such as illness and trauma through meaningful employment opportunities. Each tote bag symbolises a journey from event signage to community support, embodying Calluna Upcycling's commitment to creativity, sustainability, and social responsibility.
The tote bags were sent to three charities in need to be put to good use:
Scrap Anticas, a Dundee-based community interest company, received tote bags from the event. These bags, sold in their ScrapStore and used in workshops, promote creativity while diverting waste from landfills, aligning perfectly with Scrap Anticas' mission of community, art, and sustainability.
The Sen Support Space in Gateshead, striving for charitable status in 2024, received tote bags which will contain specialist sensory kits. These kits provide essential support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families, fostering inclusivity and well-being in a safe, supportive environment. The kits contain ear defenders and fidgets as well as chew toys for the charity’s SEN children when they feel overwhelmed.
South Stanley Partnership in County Durham, a stalwart in community support since 2001, received some of the newly crafted tote bags to replace single-use carriers in their food support programs and enhance community workshops.
As for the foamex, some willing organisations wanted to make sure the non-recyclable material was repurposed in a few creative ways:
OLDP (Opportunities for Liberating and Developing your Potential) empowers women and girls in Birmingham through careers in the built environment. The foamex boards they received will support decorating workshops, promoting skills development and economic empowerment among participants.
Cofton Road Allotments, dedicated to nurturing community gardens in Birmingham, will use foamex boards to enhance garden displays and promote sustainable gardening practices, embodying their commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.
And for the toys from the family room, which included foam blocks, mats and playsets, books, crayons and games. These were sent to an organisation Event Cycle previously helped during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games:
Balsall Heath CATS (Children Action Team Support) supports disabled children, young people, and families to foster social inclusion through play. Originating to integrate local children and youth with disabilities into community life, the organisation now aids over eighty families and collaborates closely with twenty organisations. They cater to diverse backgrounds facing barriers to support, offering informal assistance and guidance on cultural, communication, disability access, and financial challenges. Their mission promotes social inclusion through recreational and educational activities, raises awareness on disability issues, and shares best practices for improving quality of life in the West Midlands.
“The things [we received] are amazing just what we needed, thank you so much!
The donation of toys could not have come at a better time as a small organisation it is difficult to purchase new toys, this donation will enable us to enrich our play resources and loose parts therefore giving our play and youth sessions a much needed boost with new things for our children to play, engage and get creative with”
Balsall Heath CATS Team
A Vision for Sustainable Events and Lasting Community Impact
In collaboration with Event Cycle, the surplus materials from BSG LIVE’24 were transformed into positive social and environmental outcomes. By engaging local charities and empowering communities, this initiative not only enhances event sustainability but also leaves a lasting legacy of support and inclusivity in Birmingham and beyond. As the events industry continues to evolve, initiatives like these pave the way for a more sustainable future, where events are not just gatherings but catalysts for meaningful change.
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