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Community spirit shines as more than 50 volunteers join BEAM litter pick in Ballymoney park

  • Writer: Love Ballymena
    Love Ballymena
  • 9 minutes ago
  • 3 min read
The BEAM team and local volunteers gathered cleanup, community and craic in Ballymoney!

The BEAM team and local volunteers gathered cleanup, community and craic in Ballymoney!


More than 50 people from across Ballymoney turned out for a community litter pick at Riverside Park, in a strong show of local spirit that organisers say was about far more than clearing rubbish from public spaces.


The event, organised by BEAM – Building Empowerment & Awareness to Mind – took place on Tuesday 31 March and brought together people of all ages from across the town, with volunteers spreading out through Riverside Park as well as surrounding paths and nearby streets.



The large turnout allowed the group to cover a significant area, helping to tidy one of Ballymoney’s most-used public spaces while also creating an evening centred on connection, wellbeing and community support.


More than a litter pick


Organisers said the event was designed not only to improve the local environment, but also to encourage people to spend time together and strengthen community ties.


“This isn’t just about picking up rubbish, as important as it is for us to look after our shared spaces. It is about connecting, spending time together in the fresh air, and strengthening our sense of community. At BEAM, we believe a connected community is a community that cares,” commented Hannah Graham.



That message was reflected in the turnout, with families, children and adults from across Ballymoney joining the clean-up effort.


Volunteers collected litter from within Riverside Park itself and extended their work into adjoining walkways and surrounding streets, helping to improve the wider area.


Fun community touch with Easter surprise


Adding a family-friendly element to the evening, organisers hid a number of special tokens throughout the park for participants to find.


These tokens could then be exchanged for Easter eggs, adding an element of fun and encouraging children and families to get involved in the event.



Special thanks were paid to Coleraine Kawasaki for donating the Easter eggs, which organisers said proved popular with both children and adults alike.


The added activity helped turn the litter pick into a wider community event, blending practical action with a positive social atmosphere.


BEAM’s mission to strengthen mental health and connection


BEAM is made up of volunteers Hannah Graham, Katherine Murphy, Clare Doherty, Zara Hutchinson and Lee Kane.



The group’s work is focused on promoting positive mental health, reducing stigma and creating opportunities for people in the local area to connect and support one another.


Events such as the litter pick form part of that wider mission, using shared activities to encourage conversation, reduce isolation and foster a stronger sense of belonging across the community.


Organisers said the success of the event reinforced the strength of local support for that work.


“It was fantastic to see so many people come together. We’re looking forward to continuing to connect the community throughout 2026 and beyond,” added Zara Hutchinson.



Next event: Dawn Walk returns in May


Following the strong response to the litter pick, BEAM is now preparing for the return of its Dawn Walk on Saturday 16 May.


The event will begin at 4am from the car park of the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre, taking participants through the town before finishing with breakfast at Ballymoney Town Hall.


The walk is free to attend, with organisers asking those planning to take part to register in advance at tinyurl.com/BEAMBallymoney26.


The strong turnout at Riverside Park suggests the organisation’s message of connection and community continues to resonate strongly across Ballymoney.




At a glance


  • More than 50 people joined BEAM’s litter pick on Tuesday 31 March

  • Event took place at Riverside Park in Ballymoney

  • Volunteers cleaned the park, nearby paths and surrounding streets

  • Organisers said the event focused on connection as well as cleanliness

  • Easter egg tokens were hidden for participants to find

  • Coleraine Kawasaki donated Easter eggs

  • BEAM promotes positive mental health and reducing stigma

  • Next major event is the Dawn Walk on Saturday 16 May

  • Walk starts at 4am from Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre

  • BEAM will also attend the Ballymoney Spring Fair





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