Pupils at Lawn Manor Academy have been inspired to make a difference to those experiencing homelessness in Swindon by collecting a substantial donation of food and essential items for local charity Threshold.
Ahead of Threshold’s Sleep Out 26 on 20th February, which is being held at Lawn Manor Academy, pupils from all years were given a house challenge to fill a trolley with food and toiletries. The three houses, Fitzroy, Pleydell and Goddard, went head-to-head to see who could collect the most.
The initiative forms part of the school’s wider activities to learning about homelessness ahead of hosting Sleep Out 26. In recent weeks, pupils have been learning about the realities faced by people experiencing homelessness in Swindon and the support organisations like Threshold provide to help individuals rebuild their lives. Moved by what they had learned, pupils were determined to take practical action to help, donating everyday essentials that will directly support those in need.
Threshold’s Fundraising and Communications Manager Rachel Harris said: “It is fantastic to see how the pupils have pulled out all the stops to make a difference, we are astonished and extremely grateful for the abundance of items they have donated! Providing basic essentials like food and toiletries takes a huge amount of pressure off people who have been homeless, so that they can focus their strength on recovering and working on the complex issues that so many of them face. After years of feeling rejected by society, their belief in community can be rekindled by the eagerness of these young people to help. Thank you so much to the house teams – your kindness is absolutely heartwarming.”
Russell Langdown, Head of School at Lawn Manor Academy, added: “We are incredibly proud of our pupils for the compassion and generosity they have shown, with three trolleys overflowing with food and toiletries!
“Through their learning, our pupils have developed a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness locally, and they were motivated to make a tangible difference. The response from Pleydell, Goddard and Fitzroy has been fantastic, and we are grateful to our school community for coming together to support Threshold and the vital work they do.”
The collected items will now be distributed by Threshold to people currently receiving support as they move away from homelessness.
Sleep Out 26 is open to all aged 11 and above. Registration costs £7.50 for children and £15 for adults, and participants are encouraged to multiply their giving by raising sponsorship for the challenge. Participants can register for Sleep Out 26 at www.threshold.charity/sleepout26
Places for People has generously awarded Threshold a grant of £1,000 to run the event, and local organisations Village Hotel Swindon, Gel Studios and Rapid Relief Team UK will be donating hot and cold refreshments. This means that all proceeds from ticket sales and funds raised by participants will be spent on providing people in Swindon with a safe place to live, and support to address their challenges and regain their independence.
Lawn Manor Academy is part of the Ascend Learning Trust. For more information, visit www.lawnmanor.org.
