Local students achieve national award for social action

CAFOD has honoured students from St John Plessington Catholic College, Bebington, with a prestigious national award. The charity has recognised students for the exceptional care and commitment they have demonstrated to drive positive change.

Over the past two academic years, students have worked together on a wide range of initiatives to create meaningful change within the local Wirral community and beyond.

Students organised foodbank drives, which saw two minibuses full of food delivered to the Wirral Foodbank in Birkenhead. Hearing the hardship faced by refugees, they also collected clothes, toiletries and toys in support of Hearts4Refugees.

The culmination of students’ dedication to social justice and solidarity has seen them achieve CAFOD’s LiveSimply Award.

The LiveSimply Award is championed by CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development). It recognises Catholic schools and communities that demonstrate their commitment to caring for people and the planet through meaningful action.

Anne, a Year 10 student, said:

“It’s been really nice to see everyone in school working together to help others, both in our local community and further away. I’ve really enjoyed being part of it and seeing how the things we do in school can make a difference to other people.”

With a passion for protecting the planet, environmental sustainability has been a central focus of the school’s students. They have completed multiple litter-picks within the Bebington area to protect wildlife and green spaces. In doing so, they have also promoted responsibility for the world around them.

Students have been advocating for change on a national scale too. They have put the persuasive writing techniques developed in English lessons to good use to send letters to the government about climate change and the importance of protecting the planet for future generations. 

Mrs Carmel Harvey, head of religious education at St John Plessington Catholic College, said:

“Achieving the CAFOD LiveSimply Award is a wonderful testament to the compassion, commitment and collective effort of our whole school community, where even the smallest actions are rooted in faith and community.”

Headteacher, Mr Peadar McLoughlin, added:

“All students across the entire St John Plessington community have contributed to these initiatives. Over the course of the past two years, they have embodied our school values of compassion, respect, determination and justice, and I am incredibly proud of what they have achieved together for the benefit of others.”

St John Plessington is a proud member of Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust (HFCMAT).