This week, Bishop Bev visited SEND, a project in the north Liverpool school Alsop, which has the intentions of combating loneliness. While visiting, the Bishop addressed the students telling them, “You are all the sunshine on that grey miserable day. Loneliness is a horrible thing and this community group and the work you all do combats this by bringing people together."
The project started in 2007, allowing them to reach out to residents of the wider community and break down barriers between the students and the older residents. Once a week, those who participate in the project are treated to a choice of two delicious homemade soups, cakes, and a hot drink. This provides a meeting place where people can have a friendly chat and enjoy a game of bingo.
Year seven students from the SEND nurture group have been serving lunches, making hot drinks, and washing the dishes. This is a good way for students to complete their social action, as well as benefitting community members.
Bishop Bev praised the project saying, “It was fantastic to meet such wonderful young people serving lunch to the elderly, befriending them, and making them feel so valued. It was a great privilege to award Alsop school ambassador medals and certificates. A fab day!”
Ms Walsh assistant SENCO said that “we had such a wonderful afternoon welcoming Bishop Bev into our school. The nurture family, have grown in confidence this year thanks to this amazing project.”
The lunch club was the idea of Alsop’s chair of governors, Mrs Marilyn Fielding, who said, “We are delighted that Alsop can serve the needs of members of our community. The initiative has encouraged many young people to take responsibility, build community and work together with older residents.”
If you would like to join in on the lunch club, just turn up any Tuesday at noon. Please use the entrance in Walton village opposite Church Flags.
For more information about the lunch club please telephone: 0151 235 1200 or contact: office@alsophighchool.org.uk
Sunshine on that Grey, Miserable Day
First published on: 5th July 2019