Abbot’s Lea School supports local foodbank

Students from Abbot’s Lea School offered their assistance this week at South Liverpool Foodbank.

The Woolton-based school, which specialises in high quality holistic education for young people with autism and a range of associated learning need, arranged for 15 Key Stage 5 students to visit the Bridge Chapel centre in Garston to put together much needed packages containing essential items for those in crisis.

The group learnt more about the cause and how the team’s hard work has helped 16,500 people in the local community since it was set up in 2009.

The foodbank is a project founded by local churches and community groups, working together towards stopping hunger.

As part of the students’ ASDAN course – a curriculum programme and qualification to help young people thrive in 21st century education, work and life – they are finding out how local charities operate and benefit the region, whilst gaining transferable skills that they can use in the world of work and further education.

Anthony McVerry, head of secondary department at Abbot’s Lea School, said: “By strengthening our links within the community, we are giving students the practical opportunity to demonstrate the skills and understanding they have gained over the years, whilst also giving something back to people in need.

“Helping out at the foodbank has provided great life experience for everyone involved and it will certainly benefit the students’ future destinations and careers, which is something we are keen to actively promote as a school.”

The ongoing project has also encouraged the caring students to produce and distribute first aid kits to the homeless community at the Whitechapel Centre.

Led by class teacher, Rachael Wah, she said: “On a class trip to Liverpool ONE before Christmas, the students were surprised to see so many homeless people in our city and it brought about conversations about the ways we can help them.

“When we got back to school, the students decided to collect things to keep the homeless warm as it was so cold. We ended up collecting 20 bags worth of coats, sleeping bags, blankets, scarves, hats, gloves and basic toiletries.”

This has inspired further action and an ongoing commitment from the students and staff of the school to offer worthwhile support in the local community.