Chat Central is always looking for simple ways to introduce people to volunteering, and our monthly litter picks are a great example. They bring people together to chat and connect whilst making a real difference in the community. After a short break, our litter picks have returned and are happening on a regular basis. Come rain or shine, each month Chat Central participants meet at Coventry Canal Basin to enjoy a friendly chat, take a gentle stroll through the city and clear litter along the way!

We spoke to some of our amazing volunteers about why they litter pick, and how volunteering with Chat Central has impacted them and their community.

Carl

Carl is already doing a fantastic job keeping his local area clean, but in May he decided to join our litter pick team. Carl is such an enthusiastic volunteer and is always ready to get stuck in. It’s wonderful to hear the sense of achievement and connection he feels from volunteering as part of a team.

“I personally chose to attend the litter picking because it was an opportunity to provide something back to my community. I do some litter picking in my own area (Wyken), but it feels more productive as part of a team. It’s also pleasant just meeting new people and seeing the sense of achievement and accomplishment that occurs after only a few short hours. Hopefully this sense of purpose carries over to other parts of people’s lives – finding other ways to help their community locally. Quite a few of the volunteers I talked to at our meets were involved with other projects and organisations.”

Hannah

Hannah began her journey at VAC in January 2025 through the Improving Lives programme. Since completing this, she has become a dedicated volunteer with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and has been litter picking with Chat Central each month since our return. Hannah’s passion and commitment to caring for the outdoors has been an inspiration to us all!

“I enjoy litter picking; it is my favourite volunteering activity. I like cleaning up the litter and improving the cleanliness of the streets, I find it fulfilling and it makes me feel like I am contributing and making Coventry a better place. I find it satisfying and rewarding at the end when all the bags are full and seeing the impact we have made by picking up litter.” 

Kandi 

Being new to Coventry, Kandi joined Chat Central in May as a way to meet new people and find out more about her new city. Kandi has brought so much warmth and positivity to the team; it’s been a joy to welcome her to Coventry and explore the city together.

 “Litter pick volunteering was the first activity I joined at the Chat Central Project in May, and I participate in it whenever I am available. I enjoyed seeing some people and having a chance to talk and share our lives. At the same time, we could just focus on what we needed to do on our own. I also enjoyed working as a team, where someone held a plastic bag, someone swept, and someone used the litter picker. I also feel grateful that I was able to do some small things for the community. It may be just picking up one tiny cigarette end at the side of the road, but it might make a little difference. Nothing is too insignificant!”