KS3 students at Trinity School in Carlisle have been incredibly proactive in their Community, working on many different projects as part of the ‘Give a Day to the City’ headed by Miriam Lowe and Andy Fearon. They have had the opportunity to go out into our local community and spread a little generosity and hope to their wider Carlisle ‘family’.  

Students were given £1 which they were to endeavour to multiply through fundraising, to be used to buy small gifts – Bags of Courage. Y8 students were involved in delivering ‘take a break giveaways’, -spreading a little joy through a gift of a kitkat, tea bag and a little poem to staff at Carlisle City council, Charity shops and charities and shops throughout the centre of Carlisle to the Train station, Taxi Drivers and Viaduct.  Students had the opportunity to meet many inspiring people and chat about their roles as well as deliver their surprise gift.

Other students also increased their £1 to help in providing, hosting and serving a high tea to the residents of Willow Park. Students enjoyed the opportunity to also play games and have time to chat to the residents, many of whom have sent messages of appreciation and thanks to the school.

Two groups of students acted as Volunteers at Carlisle Castle where they were involved talking to visitors about the Poppies sculpture and helping orient visitors around the site. This included welcoming people to site, directing them up on the wall walk underneath the sculpture or guiding them around the contemplation room where people were encouraged to reflect on their thoughts about the sculpture’s significance.

70 students helped to celebrate the NHS 70th birthday by creating and baking a cake at home. They delivered their cakes to every station in the hospital and other NHS centres across the city to celebrate their birthday and to say thank you for all they do for the city.

Elsewhere, 85 Students took a coach to Silloth to do a beach cleanup with Surfers Against Sewage. The school plan to follow this by initiating a 'plastic free school' programme into Trinity over the coming months.  A smaller group of students helped to renovate the outdoor space at Mencap, involved in painting and construction which they found rewarding but hard work! Four students were involved in some basic construction/DIY on a city skate park project for youth in the city

The final group created an amazing allotment area for Carlisle Carers. These fantastic folks provide help and support to a parent, partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour, without payment, who could not manage without their help. This allotment space will be theirs to use, a space for them to gather, spend time outdoors, to garden and enjoy a community creative space.

Elizabeth Howat, Strategic Lead for secondary Awards said,

‘The work by students at Trinity School in Carlisle has been incredible. The number of ways they have impacted their community is truly humbling and inspiring.  I hope that these students continue this example of serving others into the future and to be the change they want to see.  Well done to everyone involved.’