By Mrs Arrowsmith (CAS & Service Coordinator)

Throughout the Autumn Term, Year 10 have been taking part in an advocacy programme called Giving Forward, teaching them the important role advocacy can play in supporting a chosen cause.   

After the internal heats, six teams were selected to go through to the final – Carers in Bedfordshire, Stepping Stones, Embrace, King’s Arms Project, Friends of Milton Keynes Hospital and Bedford Foodbank.

The final was held on Thursday 5th December. The judges, Martin Scoble, BGS Director of Finance, Becky Hudson-Findlay, BGS Director of Digital Learning, Lucy Bardner, Community Programmes Director at the Harpur Trust, alumnae Louie Judd (BGS 2020) and Maria Mazzei (BHS 1996), and Delyth Arrowsmith had a very difficult decision as all of the groups showed great knowledge and passion in advocating for their chosen charity.

After much discussion and deliberation, the judges awarded the £1000 grant money to Haniya Saleem, Eloise Sanders, Anwesha Singh and Simone Wheeler for their chosen charity, Bedford Foodbank. They had an excellent understanding of the charity and its work and used the information from their visit to the charity to produce a creative and persuasive presentation, including a thoughtful interview they filmed during their visit. The team representing the King’s Arms Project was awarded £250 for their charity.  

Eloise Sanders (Year 10) said: “I found the Giving Forward project an incredible experience. It really opened my eyes to the number of amazing charities in our local area.”

Haniya Saleem (Year 10) added: “I already knew a little bit about the Foodbank, but this project gave us the opportunity to visit the charity and find out all about how they operate. It was great fun and gave us a great insight into their work.” 

While the other groups were disappointed not to have won money for their charity, it is equally important that they have advocated their charity in our community.