Our vision is to create a space where every caregiver and child in Margate can connect with nature, the sea, and each other for their mental and emotional wellbeing. FLINTS was founded in response to the growing need for safe, nurturing environments where families can gather, learn, and experience the therapeutic benefits of being by the water. Too many caregivers feel isolated and overwhelmed, particularly in coastal areas like Thanet, where economic deprivation and social disconnection are common. At the same time, the natural environment is under threat, and many families don’t have the opportunity to engage with it in a meaningful way. FLINTS provides sea-based learning and environmental stewardship activities that nurture both family bonds and the local environment. By offering free/pay-what-you-can sessions, we ensure that our coastal care and community education are accessible to everyone, strengthening our local community while helping protect our coastline for years to come.

What we'll deliver:

• Deliver weekly sea-based learning sessions for children, caregivers and adults (free/sliding scale)
• Provide seasonal free community events to mark the solstices
• Work with local initiatives to provide specifically tailored sessions for migrant mothers and vulnerable adults
• Create a yield of FLINTS lesson plans, songs, nature crafts and activities to help generate donations and income
• Launch a renewed social media campaign with content sharing
• Create a FLINTS volunteer and facilitation training program
• Update our website and create a simple booking system
• Regular care for the marine environment through social beach and promenade cleans

Why it's a great idea:

Why it’s a great idea: Margate, and Thanet more broadly, contains some of the most deprived communities in the UK, with many residents experiencing heightened challenges related to economic instability and social isolation. FLINTS will support local adults, caregivers and their children by providing sea-based learning and mental health support, which are crucial in alleviating feelings of loneliness and stress. Many of the families we work with face social and economic difficulties, and our sessions offer them a safe space to reconnect with nature, each other, and the local community. Our project is rooted in environmental education and stewardship, teaching families to care for Margate’s coastline through activities like beach clean-ups and zero-waste practices, while promoting wellbeing through outdoor engagement. By offering free/pay-what-you-can sessions, we ensure that all locals, regardless of their financial situation, have access to these benefits building a stronger community.

Steps to get it done:

• Review feedback and create impact report from previous years
• Update website, social media campaign and create simple booking system
• Deliver weekly sea-based learning sessions for children, caregivers and adults (free/sliding scale)
• Work with local initiatives to provide specifically tailored sessions for migrant mothers and other vulnerable adults
• Provide seasonal free community events to mark the solstices, celebrate heritage crafts and care for the environment
• Create a FLINTS volunteer and facilitation training program and increase our volunteer numbers
• Create a yield of FLINTS lesson plans, songs, nature crafts and activities to help generate donations and income
• Regular conservation care for our local marine environment through volunteering days, social beach and promenade cleans

This year, Newgate Gap CIC & FLINTS has been awarded both the Margate Mayor’s Grant and a Highly Commended Certificate for the 2024 Kent Mental Wellbeing Award for our dedication to uplifting mutual care and wellbeing for the community through creative offerings that champion coastal guardianship. Phase 1: We will complete 12 weekly beach sessions for children and caregivers (20 families per session), compile lesson plans and crafts, and launch our social media outreach. Gather feedback from our participants over the course of the project and M&E the data. Phase 2: We will introduce a membership base, partner with schools and organisations, host two seasonal events, and launch adult wellbeing workshops. Phase 3: We will initiate a native coastal species walkway collaboration project with Thanet District Council. Host a Lantern Walk and Solstice Spiral Walk. We aim to hold a ConSeavation Conference to build partnerships and expand our outreach and membership initiatives.