Rhiannon is a student at our School in Wingrave, Buckinghamshire. She's someone who likes things to make sense. She enjoys learning that has a practical purpose.
We considered how we could make her learning more functional. We thought that Rhiannon would enjoy learning about and helping others and some of the practical skills that go along with that.
We looked around to get involved in a community based organisation. We initially thought about a harvest festival as we thought that Rhiannon would really enjoy the learning around collecting things and giving to other people.
Finding a community connection
Karen, one of Rhiannon's teachers, knew about a homeless charity DENS who were looking for help and donations and she suggested that Rhiannon find out more.
Together we looked on the charity website. Rhiannon looked up the items that DENS were collecting and made a list of what they needed. She wanted to help and we thought it would be a great opportunity for other students to be involved too.
Rhiannon emailed all the class teachers in the school. In the email she told them what DENS was and asked if the teachers and classes had any of the items they were looking for and could donate them. Rhiannon decorated a box within her classroom that people brought the items to and put them in. When the other classes did their weekly snack shop they bought items and dropped them off.
After a couple of weeks, with lots of items to donate, Rhiannon travelled to the charity base with her support staff and they dropped everything off.
Debs said:
We arrived and were asked to go round the back to unload. A woman who volunteers for DENS brought a trolley out and Rhiannon filled it. She asked where we were from and we had a chat. Rhiannon felt pleased and happy with herself that she’d done it. She was aware that she was giving and that felt good.
Karen said:
It was a huge achievement. I know the charity as it is one of the chosen charities supported by Long Marston community. We became aware that it is a sad reality that, all across our community, people and families find themselves struggling with empty cupboards and empty fridges, wondering where the next meal is coming from. It was something that we could do to help.
If you want to find out more about DENS and the great things they do check out their website
Connect at Christmas
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#ConnectAtChristmas with MacIntyre. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
