SCUBAHUB
Motion for the Ocean
Watch Emily explain why Motion for the Ocean matters and how to get involved – scan to watch
BSAC HAS TEAMED UP WITH MOTION FOR THE OCEAN, AN INITIATIVE helping local councils – both inland and at the coast – to take action to improve the health of UK rivers and seas. To support this collaboration, BSAC has launched a brand-new Motion for the Ocean online toolkit, making it easier than ever for clubs, centres and members to get involved.
Local councils play a vital role in protecting our blue spaces – from tackling pollution to supporting marine conservation. However, public support is essential to drive meaningful change. The new toolkit provides BSAC clubs and members with everything needed to engage with their local councils and encourage action.
The toolkit includes:
■ A ready-to-use email template for contacting councillors
■ Guidance on crafting effective messages to get results
■ Advice for clubs on inviting councillors for a Try Dive to showcase the importance of healthy waters
Watch local Councillor Emma Oldham( Newark & Sherwood District Council) explain why councils need to hear from you!
Speaking on the initiative, Motion for the Ocean Co-founder Emily Cunningham MBE said:“ As a proud BSAC member, I know how much divers and snorkellers care about protecting our waters. Motion for the Ocean gives clubs and members the tools to make real change by working with their local councils. Every conversation, every email and every action brings us one step closer to healthier UK waters.”
BSAC is now encouraging all members to take part by using the toolkit to reach out to their local councils. The more people who take action, the greater the impact on the future of UK rivers and seas.
To find out more and access the Motion for the Ocean toolkit, visit www. bsac. com / M4TO
Snorkelling solution raises funding
A WEST MIDLANDS CLUB IS encouraging others to‘ take the plunge’ with their fundraising after successfully scooping a Sport England grant for their new snorkelling section. Bromsgrove-based Mercian Divers has just been awarded £ 4,750 from Sport England’ s Movement Fund to establish a snorkelling section within their club. The money will now be used to offer a dedicated snorkelling programme within their community. Julie Turney, who has led on the grant application, said that the funds will be used to train two new Snorkel Instructors and one Advanced Snorkel Instructor as well as purchase new snorkelling kit. The money will also cover a year’ s worth of pool hire and promotional material to support recruitment. Currently with 40 members, Mercian Divers want to attract more people to their club and, said Julie, snorkelling seems the“ obvious answer”.“ We hope it will encourage more young people, children and families to join as well as adults who may then want to progress to scuba,” Julie explained.“ We also have older members in our club who would like to move on to snorkelling and remain active members so it will make Mercian Divers even more accessible as well as create new opportunities to use the club RIB.” Mercian Divers are now planning three snorkel courses this year, with the first starting in April, by which time their new‘ in-house’ Snorkel Instructors will be qualified. And, with just three months between submitting their grant application in January and being told they had been successful, Julie hopes that other BSAC clubs will be inspired to look at how the Sport England fund could help them.“ This has been a huge boost to our club and has been a great motivator. It has sparked so much enthusiasm amongst our members who are all on board and keen to get involved. It has been worth the time and effort as we are now starting to reap the rewards!” Read Julie’ s top tips on applying for a Sport England grant at bsac. com / merciandivers
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