From Friday 10th to Saturday 11th October many of our boarders from the three senior Houses gave up their cosy beds and shifted their sleeping quarters to 10 acre field where a row of tents provided them with shelter for the night. Committed to improving awareness of homelessness on the evening of the national ‘Big Sleep Out’, the group raised over £350 to support Berkshire’s leading homelessness charity, Launchpad Reading.
Assistant Head, Partnerships and Outreach, Natasha Coccia, commented, “The relationship with Launchpad Reading has gone from strength to strength, with this term’s initiative being driven by our student led charity group Amicus, their Sixth Form rep, Liz, and our Outreach prefect, Daisy. Through their passion and commitment to make a difference, we have fundraised for the Big Sleep Out and seen great support from both day students and boarders for this amazing charity. This is all part and parcel of our unwavering belief that service and community action is key to an LP education. These are truly socially conscious students and we couldn’t be any prouder of them.”
Year 10 parent, Tracey Mancey, who was inspired by the School’s virtual knitting group during lockdown to complete a beautiful, colourful blanket, was pleased to donate it to Launchpad. “Whilst knitting it, I was thinking everyone deserves a warm hug even if it can only be ‘blanket style‘” said Tracey. Tracey, and her mother-in-law, Eve, have both created a fantastic number of knitted squares to contribute to the LP blanket for the homeless project being co-ordinated by English teacher, and knitting group founder, Merion Taynton. “I started knitting squares for the LP blanket for the homeless but must admit I got completely into the knitting and it kept me sane and gave me some purpose during lockdown.” added Tracey.
If you would like to contribute to our Outreach work with any of our partners including Launchpad Reading, Whitley Community Development Association, Age UK Reading, or The Foundry Pupil Referral Unit, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Natasha Coccia, Assistant Head, Partnerships and Outreach.
Take the next step by selecting an option below, or if you want to drop us a quick message, you can do so with the form.
Δ