Litter Picking with Purpose: Paul Baston’s Local Volunteering Story 

As part of Volunteers’ Week, Colmore Business District is shining a spotlight on the individuals quietly transforming their communities through everyday acts of care and commitment. Paul Baston, has been leading regular litter picks around Ladywood for nearly a decade. What began as a simple act of stewardship has become a meaningful investment in civic pride, connection, and local change. We sat down with Paul to hear his story—and why small actions matter more than we think.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to start volunteering with litter picking around Ladywood? 

‘I am the Secretary of Birmingham Convention Quarter Association. Basically we are a small group of residents and business owners who live and work in the area; recognise the importance of being proactive; take pride in the area; and  recognise that over reliance upon the Council won’t achieve our aims. “If not now, when? If not me, who” should inspire people to take action now, and not wait for someone else to step up.’ 

Why is volunteering important to you personally? 

‘I regard it as an investment in the area. Additionally, it affords me an opportunity to interact with others who I would not normally see. Often the only common denominator is where we live. Being a bystander makes you part of the problem that you’re observing.’

What does Volunteers’ Week mean to you as someone who gives their time to support the community? 

‘Every week is Volunteers Week for me. I don’t want to sound sanctimonious but if a couple of hours of litter picking each week helps to focus other people’s minds then it’s worthwhile. I’m not so naïve to think that I’ll have hordes of people joining me each Sunday morning, but if seeing me litter picking makes them think twice about dropping litter in future, then it’s a ‘small win’.’

How long have you been leading the litter pick in Ladywood, and what areas do you usually cover?

‘It’s been so long that I can’t remember! Probably 9 or 10 years. I park the litter pick trolley in Canal Square at about 10:30am on Sunday morning. The litter pick covers Canal Square, King Edwards Drive, Sheepcote Street, St Vincent Street, Browning Street, Morville Street, Sherborne Street, and sometimes Ryland Street. By the time I transport the filled bags to an agreed collection point, that takes about 2 hours.’

How has the local community supported or engaged with your litter picking work, and what difference have you seen it make? 

‘The ‘broken window theory’ suggests that signs of neglect such as broken windows, vandalism, littering, graffiti gives the appearance of a disordered community and potentially leads to further crime and disorder. Repairing the window, removing the graffiti, picking up the litter may lead to a reversal of decline. We receive great support from our local Councillors (Sir Albert Bore and Kath Hartley). Several people stop to thank me, and commend me each week, but the most that I can hope for is that they think twice about their own littering.’ 

What has been the most rewarding or memorable part of your volunteering journey so far? 

‘I don’t have any lofty ideas about volunteering, and am keen not to appear pompous. Nobody likes the individual who sets themselves above others. Don’t expect to be thanked as you are likely to be disappointed. I am gratified when the street is litter free albeit only for a short period. Abdul from The Bearded Barber always thanks me. Julia from JuJu’s offers a free cuppa to litter pickers each and every week. Small acts of gratitude are immensely important.’

Paul’s story is a powerful reminder that volunteering doesn’t require fanfare—just consistency, care, and a willingness to act. Whether it’s picking up litter, lending a hand at a local event, or simply showing up for your neighbourhood, your time can make a real impact.

Visit volunteersweek.org/about to learn more and find ways to get involved in your community during Volunteers’ Week and beyond.