Welcome to the Final Straw Foundation!

Bianca founded the Final Straw Foundation in 2018 after noticing the growing tide of litter on the South Coast and the unnecessary use of disposable plastics. What began as a small campaign of beach cleans and business engagement has since grown into a registered charity, inspiring communities across the UK to cut pointless plastic and protect the environment.

With a background in healthcare and world-view experience living abroad, Bianca brought fresh ideas and determination to improve the health of our seas for future generations.

Lissie joined Bianca in early 2018, shortly after the Final Straw Emsworth campaign began. At the time, the focus was on running a few beach cleans and encouraging local businesses to reduce single-use plastics. The campaign has grown far beyond those early days, with incredible support from local communities and individuals. Transitioning to a registered charity in 2020 was a huge milestone, and it’s been inspiring to see so many schools and community groups get involved and share their passion for protecting the environment.

Lissie comes from a marine background, with a degree in Marine Sciences from Southampton University and experience at the National Oceanography Centre working on deep-sea research. Combined with her work in marketing and design, she brings a mix of skills to the campaign, helping protect our oceans for future generations.

Georgina joined the Final Straw Foundation after a successful 13-year career in Primary Education as a teacher and senior leader, teaching in schools across Hampshire and internationally, including a spell living in Malaysia.

Her earliest memories are by, in, or on the sea, and from a young age she felt a strong duty to act as a steward for the oceans. At 14, she was diving the Solent and collecting rubbish on every dive, packing it into her BCD. By 18, she qualified as a PADI scuba instructor in Australia, working on conservation projects and raising awareness of ocean pollution.

Now a mother of two, Georgina encourages her children to explore and learn about the natural world, nurturing their curiosity and sense of wonder. She brings her skills and experience from education, combined with her passion for reducing plastic waste, to inspire and empower future generations to protect the environment.

Kate worked for Portsmouth City Council for 12 years, eight of those as a Recycling Education Officer. Passionate about recycling, reducing waste, and protecting the environment, she loved sharing her knowledge with children – the future generation. When Covid prevented school visits, Kate knew she wanted to continue this work, which led her to join the Final Straw Foundation. She now uses her experience to educate schools and community groups on reducing plastic waste and caring for our oceans as part of an incredible team.

Outside of work, Kate and her family love the outdoors. Most weekends, they can be found exploring in their campervan, paddleboarding, cycling, or walking their lively spaniel.

Helen joined the Final Straw Foundation team in July 2024, excited to learn more about single-use plastics and the state of our oceans. She has extensive experience leading adventure holidays worldwide and running Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions. In recent years, Helen has organised charity challenges for a military charity, a breast cancer charity, and Forestry England, encouraging people to get active in nature.

Passionate about connecting people with the natural world and environmental learning, Helen loves organising and attending events across the South Coast.

Hannah is the Campaigns and Fundraising Officer at the Final Straw Foundation, focusing particularly on community engagement. She first became involved as an intern after discovering the charity’s work in her hometown of Emsworth and has loved every minute since. Hannah is also studying Environmental Science at the Open University and hopes her role at FSF will be the first step in a career in environmental conservation.

She enjoys walking, especially in the South Downs or along the coast, and loves cooking for friends and family. Passionate about reducing single-use plastics, Hannah makes a personal effort to avoid plastic packaging in the kitchen, reusing containers and jars wherever possible.