By Mrs Cruse (Head of Years 7 and 8)

Throughout the Autumn Term, our Year 8 students have been raising awareness and funds for the school charity FACES.

FACES is a local independent charity which offers practical and emotional support to families under stress. The charity supports local children and families which face difficult issues such as mental health and physical health, domestic abuse, poverty, child sexual exploitation and behavioural issues.

On Thursday 17th November, we were delighted to welcome the CEO of FACES, Michaela Martindale, who delivered an inspirational assembly to the Year 8 students. Michaela explained how the charity works within Bedford and all the different groups which they support. After the assembly, Michaela did a Q&A with the Year 8 charity committee, who have been invited to decorate Santa’s Grotto for the charity.

The Year 8 Committee meets weekly and plans different activities. The students have held a Cake sale where they raised £123, they have another cake sale in place before Christmas and have a number of events in the pipeline. The committee have to work as a team and have to try and think of practical and achievable ways of raising funds and awareness of the charity. We are really proud of all their fundraising activities and passion to use their voice to raise awareness of FACES.

Penny Adams (Year 8) said: “I like being part of the FACES committee because it allows me to organise fundraising events, volunteer and help out others who don’t have the resources they need . I also like raising awareness of important issues to others about the charity and what they can do to help .”