This term, Trinity is supporting The Big Help Out. This is a national campaign to celebrate volunteering, raise awareness of its benefits and encourage us to get involved in our local communities in the coronation year and beyond.
In this week’s whole school assembly, Mrs Burrage, Head of Community Action, spoke to the students about the importance of charity and volunteering. She asked everyone to think about getting involved in a cause they feel passionately about or that gives them the opportunity to gain new skills.
We are very committed as a school to offering students and staff opportunities to get involved in volunteering throughout the year. We have relationships with well over 100 local community groups, who come back to us every year because they enjoy working with our students and value the help and time they give.
Most students will have volunteered through our termly Field Days, the Community Christmas Party, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Sixth Form volunteering programme or the Trinity Malawi Project. We believe that by playing an active role in the community, students will be more prepared to make a meaningful contribution to the world when they leave Trinity.
Lower Sixth student Felix Gomulka spoke about his experience of volunteering through opportunities offered at Trinity: “I first volunteered at the Community Christmas Party in 2017 when I was just 11 years old, and I remember being way too excited about the bingo. At the time, I thought that this would be very annoying for those older residents at my table but, having volunteered again as a Sixth Former, I understand that this genuine reaction helps connect the younger students with our guests. The event is important as many older residents experience loneliness, and this is an evening to just have fun.
“Aged 14, I volunteered at my local cricket club as part of my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, coaching some of the younger players there. I would highly recommend trying at least the Bronze Award as it gives you an opportunity to try volunteering and you can learn so much. I learnt how to engage with children of different ages, and as I progressed and led more sessions, I learned numerous skills related to team management. Skills such as delegation, adapting to changing situations and time management have proved invaluable in all areas of my life.
“Finally, the feeling of fulfilment you get from making a positive impact on others is one that simply cannot be replicated.”
From Monday 8 May there will be a display in the Circus, explaining more about The Big Help Out campaign and giving links to sign up for volunteering opportunities. We would love for students and staff to get involved in these or any other causes important to them. Please share anything you do with Mrs Burrage.
“Join in, Lend a hand. Make a change.”
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