Ocean Friendly Homes: Unlocking STEMFest
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Plymouth
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September 2025
Funding access to sustainability in the home with the Ocean Conservation Trust
Every year, the Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT) hosts STEMFest – a flagship education event that brings together schools in Plymouth to celebrate science, technology, engineering and maths.
This year’s festival formed part of OCT’s Ocean Friendly Homes campaign, inspired by our collaboration with the OCT, helping young people understand how innovation, engineering and everyday choices can create healthier, more sustainable homes for both people and the planet.
The Challenge
For many schools, especially those in high-deprivation areas, the cost of travel and entry can make experiences like STEMFest out of reach.
Our Approach
Thanks to the generosity of everyone who took part in our SDS Charity Quiz Night, we raised £8,300.11 to fund STEMFest 2025 — enabling the Ocean Conservation Trust to make the event completely free for targeted schools for the very first time.
Children were given an interactive tour of the aquarium, while understanding the link between building efficiency and ocean health. As part of their trip, students were able to create their very own sustainable innovation – a solar desk fan – to consolidate their learning. Team members from our Plymouth office were on hand during some of these sessions to support.
“One of the teachers from Millbay Academy told us that a lot of his students had never visited the NMA before, either with the school or with family and that it was an incredible opportunity they were grateful to have been invited to.” – Ocean Conservation Trust
The Impact
Our funding supported children from 11 local schools, including Millbay Academy, All Saints CE Academy, Mount Wise, Whitleigh, Laira Green and others — with an average of 45% of pupils eligible for Pupil Premium.
- 1,000 children given access to STEMFest
- 100% of teachers rated the educational content, pitch, and inspiration as 5/5
- Every responding teacher said their pupils were inspired to learn more about STEM
- Enhanced our connection with the Ocean Conservation Trust through Together360’s pillars
Why It Matters
By removing the cost barrier, Together360’s support gave over a thousand young people the chance to take part in hands-on learning about climate, engineering and the ocean — many for the very first time.This initiative directly supports Plymouth City Council’s Economic Strategy (2024–2034) commitment to
“growing, attracting and retaining STEM and low carbon talent.”It also strengthens our long-standing partnership with the Ocean Conservation Trust, aligning with our Community Connection, Empowering the Next Generation and Planet Positivity pillars.
