Our residents take action for World Ocean Day with beach clean

Residents and team members rolled up their sleeves to help protect the coastline by organising a beach litter pick in Southend-on-Sea to mark World Ocean Day (June 8).

The initiative was inspired by the residents, who regularly enjoy trips to Southend and wanted to give something back to a place that holds many cherished memories from throughout their lives.

Ethel Speller, aged 88, has always loved day trips to the beach and would visit Southend-on-Sea with her sister. She said: “It felt good to be able to help keep Southend looking its best and to do something positive for the community.

“It was a very windy day, but we got stuck in and had lots of laughs together.”

Despite the blustery weather, the group collected litter from along the seafront at Shoebury Common, helping to keep the beach clean for visitors and wildlife while raising awareness of the importance of caring for the environment.

Honey Lane Care Home is a specialist residential dementia care home. Our team supports residents to live fulfilling, connected lives and places great importance on helping them remain active participants in their local community through meaningful experiences and opportunities.

For many residents, the day also prompted happy reflections on childhood holidays by the sea and family outings with their own children.

Peter Bird, aged 86, is also very familiar with the beaches at Southend. He said: “What a fantastic day! It was wonderful to work together with my fellow residents to give something back to the community.

“Today brought back such lovely memories of trips to Southend with my wife when the children were small, the kids hunting for shells, sitting in the sun on a deckchair, and everyone wanting an ice cream.”

World Ocean Day is celebrated annually on June 8 and encourages communities around the world to take action to protect oceans and coastlines for future generations.

Lisa Gammalliere, lifestyle coordinator at Honey Lane, said: “The litter pick provided our residents with a meaningful opportunity to give back to the community while spending time outdoors and sharing memories of Southend with one another.

“It encouraged social interaction, physical activity, and a sense of pride in the local area.”

Honey Lane’s other well-established community connections include stay and play sessions with local parents and their young children. Our home is shortlisted for The Dementia Friendly Community Project Award at the Dementia Care Awards 2026 for our scheme to encourage residents to volunteer at a local 3Food4U charity shop.

Angela Sacks, home manager and qualified dementia interpreter at Honey Lane, added: “The litter pick was a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the fresh air, reminisce about treasured seaside memories, and work together to make a real difference.

“Our residents are passionate about remaining active members of their community and making meaningful contributions wherever they can.”