In support of World Drowning Prevention Day on 25th July 2026, this month's Tesco Grants Spotlight highlights Rising Stronger, a North Wales project helping children, young people and families build emotional resilience while promoting water safety and mental wellbeing.
Founded by Debbie Anne Turnbull, the programme teaches young people how to understand their thoughts and feelings, regulate their nervous system and cope with life's challenges through fun, interactive activities centred around fruit and vegetables. Children also learn how healthy eating supports brain health, with some groups taking part in "Learn and Grow" sessions where they plant fruit and vegetables and watch them grow.
Debbie founded RASS (River And Sea Sense Ltd) in 2008 after the tragic drowning of her son, Chris, at Capel Curig in North Wales in 2006. Since then, she has educated more than 930,000 children, young people and families about the dangers of open water through schools and youth groups. Her work has been recognised with an MBE presented by Princess Anne, the UK Government's Points of Light Award, The National Lottery Special Achievement Award presented by Bear Grylls, and The Great British Entrepreneur Award.
Following her own journey through grief, Debbie trained in a range of therapeutic approaches and created Rising Stronger to support both adults and young people and families facing grief, loss and life's challenges. The project now offers online workshops, walk-and-talk groups and one-to-one support, with demand continuing to grow across North Wales and beyond.
Rising Stronger is currently taking part in the in-store customer vote in Tesco, Holywell, as part of Tesco Fruit & Veg Grants programme.
The Tesco Fruit & Veg Grants Programme is now accepting applications for 2027 projects across North and Mid Wales. Grants support projects that improve children's access to free fruit and vegetables, including healthy meal and snack schemes, holiday hunger initiatives, foodbanks, community growing projects and healthy eating programmes for families.
The current application round closes on 15th October 2026. For more information, visit www.tescoplc.com/fruit-and-veg-grants or contact us at [email protected] / 01978 757 524.