Year 8 students from ‘The Co-operative Academy of Leeds’ have been engaging with their local community by using their green fingers to assist with some gardening. ARK is a community space which is managed by the charity CATCH Leeds. The staff at ARK have been creating and developing a garden behind the centre, so it was great that students could help as part of this process.

As part of their volunteering for the KS3 Award, students were asked to paint benches, treat logs and plant new shrubs. They also had a short gardening workshop. During their time at the centre, students also met the founder of CATCH and ARK, Ash Razzaq, who spoke about the importance of volunteering for both the volunteer and the organisation. He said, “The work of many charities would not be possible without the help of volunteers, whether that be on a regular basis or as a ‘one-off’. It is great that many students from the Co-operative Academy are interested in volunteering here at ARK.”

Previously, as part of the Young Leaders Award, students attended a Tea Dance and Easter Bonnet Parade in partnership with Burmantofts Senior Action Group, where they served other guests afternoon tea. Students have also held a Tuck Shop to raise money for their chosen charity, St Gemma’s Hospice.  

Elizabeth Howat, Strategic Lead for Secondary Awards said, “It’s great to see these young people giving their time and energy to volunteer with local charities in a practical way.  There are fantastic benefits for both the charities and the students.”