Highfield Helpers is one of Highfield Leadership Academy's pupil groups with volunteers aged 11-16 committed to serving their local community. The Academy started working with Blackpool Coastal Housing four years ago to reduce social isolation experienced by some of our residents living at Lostock Gardens. A successful afterschool digital group was established which helped to develop residents’ computer skills and the project expanded further to include other activities and events.
During the pandemic, pupil leaders were determined to continue to support residents, mindful that some of them would be alone for a long time. They planned a pen pal project called ‘Bring Me Sunshine’ which allowed everyone to keep connected during such a challenging time. Throughout the first lockdown, pupils created weekly postcards that staff posted to residents living at Lostock and local care homes. Still unable to restart community group projects after lockdown, the pen pal scheme was expanded and now every pupil in years 7-10 writes a card each half term which is sent out across Blackpool South. On average each half term 400 Bring Me Sunshine cards are sent out. Pupils reported that being involved in this project gave them a purpose, a sense of pride and self-worth. They shared that when they had no control over what was happening during the pandemic, knowing they could still make a positive difference helped them to look after their mental health. Being involved in these projects also enables pupils to develop their teamwork skills, empathy and their communication skills.
We have been working with Blackpool Coastal Housing for 4 years now and are proud to be a part of this ongoing intergenerational project. It is a great opportunity for our pupils to showcase their skills and compassion for our local community.Andrew Galbraith, Principal of Highfield Leadership Academy
Kindness Calls
The Kindness Calls project is the latest branch of this community work and is helping to tackle the social isolation residents experienced during the pandemic. Keen to make a difference, 14 pupil volunteers have committed to making weekly phone calls to an identified cohort in the hope that this connection will improve residents’ well-being.
The volunteers have received safeguarding training and advice from Cathy, the BCH Befriending Link coordinated through Debbie Kerr, BCH Community Activities Officer and the first round of phone calls took place just before the February Half Term holidays. The weekly calls helps to combat loneliness for residents and enables the pupils to learn more about their neighbourhood as well as increasing their interpersonal skills.
The team decides upon the focus of the call and pupils rehearse. The first call focused on interests, hobbies, and the career pathways of some of our residents. Conversations ranged from Henry VIII, life down the pit to musical theatre in London, bagpipes, the Blackpool Air Show and Sunday roasts! There was laughter and intrigue, and everybody is looking forward to chatting again.
Pupils are proud to serve their Blackpool and we believe these acts of kindness will enable them to become ethical leaders of their community.
I am delighted that this partnership has gone from strength to strength over the past four years. During the pandemic everyone faced their own individual challenges but we know isolation and loneliness was a real struggle for many of our residents. “The commitment of these young volunteers to make a difference and put a smile on the face of our residents and wider community is just remarkable. They should be so proud of themselves and the difference they are making.”John Donnellon, Chief Executive of Blackpool Coastal Housing