VOLUNTEERing STORY - SOUTHGATE SCHOOL partnership with THE CANAL AND RIVER TRUST
Southgate School is special school for Students aged 4 years to 16 years based in Almondbury.
The Class Teacher for Chestnut Class approached TSL Kirklees Volunteer Service for help to find a suitable volunteer project for a group of Students aged between 13-15 with the aim of gaining new skills whilst giving back to their local community.
We were able to match Chestnut Class with Rik at the Canal and River Trust who developed a bespoke volunteer project for the students along Huddersfield Broad Canal, and they have now been volunteering on a weekly basis for over 6 months.
Class Teacher, Heather Williams commented:
“Volunteering with the Canal and River Trust has provided a fantastic opportunity for Students to gain meaningful, real-world work experience and develop important skills that will support them as they move on to post-16 education, training and employment. Throughout the project, pupils have shown great resilience and determination, continuing to get involved even when tasks felt challenging or outside their comfort zone (and even during poor weather!). They have built a brilliant relationship with Rik and have grown in confidence to the point where they can now work independently and follow instructions with minimal support. One of the most rewarding parts of the project for the pupils has been seeing the positive impact of their work week by week, with pupils taking real pride in the improvements they have helped create. It has also been lovely when passing members of the public have said thank you to the pupils for their hard work. We are excited to continue building this partnership next academic year and are grateful to both TSL and the Canal & River Trust for supporting our pupils to broaden their experiences and learn outside of the classroom”.
Rik Battye from the Canal and River Trust explained more about how the partnership has developed:
“Together we planned a weekly volunteer session at Lock 6 on the Huddersfield Broad Canal with the aim to take stewardship of the three locks in that area and improve the space for everyone.
Since November the students have turned up in all weather and tackled whatever job I have thrown at them. We have litter picked, completed the Planned Preventive Maintenance of the locks, managed overgrown vegetation, cleared grids and removed all sorts of things from the water.
The group has had a huge impact on the area. The locks look great and the litter is under control. Plus, through the winter months the students have built and planted three raised beds next to the towpath. This area was just a muddy patch of ground full of weeds and litter, but over 6 months it has been transformed into something amazing. It has been fantastic to watch this area improve and for this group of people to engage with the space, and the tasks, in the way they have.
This partnership really shows the power of combined thought and energy. I believe both the Canal & River Trust and the students of Chestnut Class, have benefited greatly from a few ideas and a positive attitude to getting things done. We are planning for next year with ideas for further improvement projects, more maintenance and will be creating opportunities for the students to explore ecology and conservation topics.”
If you would like help to find a volunteer role please get in touch: volunteer@tslkirklees.org.uk