Trinity Academy Students: Making a Difference in South Yorkshire

Year 7 students at Trinity Academy in Doncaster have taken part in our First Give programme, a youth-led programme that empowers young people to make a positive change in their communities through local charity engagement and social action. The students identify social issues impacting their communities, research local charities to support, and plan and engage in social action activities to make a positive change. Their work culminates in a competition across the classes in the year group, with one class winning a £1,000 First Give grant on behalf of their charity, and a fantastic opportunity for the students to direct money to an important cause of their choosing. The programme builds confidence, teamwork and communication skills, while helping students see the value and importance of their own ideas and voices, and how they can make a difference.

Trinity Academy has been delivering First Give for five years because it aligns strongly with their commitment to developing confident, compassionate and aspirational young people. Through First Give, students are encouraged to think critically about the world around them, work collaboratively, and step outside their comfort zones – all key skills for life beyond the classroom. This year, we saw students supporting a range of different local charities who are working to improve the opportunities available to members of their community in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Through the programme, eight charities were supported, including: Autism Plus, Phoenix Women’s Aid, Doncaster Mind, The Me Project and our winning charity this year, Guide Dogs Sheffield, represented by the R8 class.

Winning students, Class R8, representing Guide Dogs Sheffield, stand holding the £1,000 cheque

Students had completed a range of creative social action activities, raising funds for their respective causes, and collecting an impressive sum of over £300 across the year group. Highlights included young people meeting with Autism Plus, where charity representatives shared their need for more Lego kits to better support their members. This led the students to choose a range of kits to purchase and donate with their fundraising total, thus personalising their charity support to match the need, and maximising their impact. Other groups again showed tremendous bravery and commitment, including one student donating their hair to the Little Princess Trust, and another class planning a wellness walk to improve mental health among their classmates and raise awareness for The Me Project. What was abundantly clear was how hard they’ve worked to engage well with their charities and contribute in meaningful ways to a range of important causes.

Community judge, Margaret Watson, said: “Judging the First Give competition was truly inspiring. Each of the eight charities showcased incredible causes, and the students’ passion shone through in every presentation. Their creativity and commitment to fundraising ideas reminds us that when young people take action, real change happens.”

Trinity Academy students began the First Give programme in September, and their efforts culminated in an exciting Final on 16th December, where student teams presented their projects to a panel of five judges. The Final was an exciting way to conclude the term, and the students were an enthusiastic audience, celebrating their peers and demonstrating real team spirit as they presented with maturity and care around a variety of social issues. Speaking to some of the students after the event, the students were happy to share their experiences.

We asked them why is it important that we listen to young people, and what they have to say about their communities?

Elise said: “Young people have really helpful insights, and we’re creative. Our insights are unique, and might not always be well captured by adults, so it’s good we can speak for ourselves through the programme”

Thea said: “Young people can have fresh perspectives on old problems, so why shouldn’t we speak out?”

This year’s winning charity, Guide Dogs Sheffield, were well represented by a team of engaging presenters who included their audience thoughtfully throughout their presentation. In addition to asking thought provoking questions, the group had made glasses that simulated different visual impairments, and spoke with deep conviction and passion about their chosen charity.

Ben Herring, community judge, reflected after the Final: “The effort and enthusiasm from the children was a pleasure to behold and be a part of. First Give provides these children with the opportunity to appreciate the value of giving back and boost their own confidence at the same time. The winning form group certainly did their charity proud, and I am sure that Guide Dogs will appreciate the generous donation.”

Ben, who works with Doncaster East MP, Lee Pitcher, was eager to share the students’ achievements with Lee and the team, and Lee was particularly inspired by the students. He said:

“There is nothing better than being able to demonstrate to our future generations the power of giving back. Knowing, feeling and hearing how it helps people at their greatest time of need, or how that support changes lives for the better is just priceless. That is also why I am thrilled to learn about the winning charity; I have lived experience with someone who is visually impaired. I can tell you a guide dog is a remarkable gift – not only a loveable, lifelong companion, but a friend and (the hardest of workers) who will provide a person with the greatest present of all – personal independence.  It’s really very special!  Well done all!”

We are incredibly proud of all our Year 7 students for their courage, creativity and commitment, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to use their voices to create positive change. Thank you, Trinity Academy, to all the students, and your supportive teaching team, who made the First Give programme as impactful as it was this year.

By Amy Calvert- First Give Programme Manager for Yorkshire and the North West