Volunteering at the Cardinal Hume Centre for Christmas

We have a long standing relationship with this centre which is based in Westminster. As well as taking our girls to volunteer - a representative from the centre comes to us twice a year to provide a Faith in Action talk. The girls are also encouraged to volunteer for the centre's Holiday programs where they provide education and holiday activities for children of vulnerable and impoverished families. Providing childcare allows the families to access the many facilities that the centre provides - such as seeking help finding a job.

Aims

Providing childcare allows the families to access the many facilities that the centre provides - such as seeking help finding a job.

The families and young people in need and all those who use the centre are those who benefit directly from the girls volunteering.

Background

The relationship with the school has been long standing for at least 20 years. As the centre was established by Cardinal Hume we have allways supported it by either donations or fundraising. However when we started holding the Carol Service we contacted the centre to see if we could bring girls along to visit the centre, as well as taking along much needed provisions. It grew from there, and when Father Gerry arrived he set up the Faith in Action talks.

Resources

Financial contribution comes from the offertory collections at Mass and various fundraisers throughout the year. This is then held until the government hold their big give campaign at which point the money donated is matched by the government. In Dec 2019 £2574 was donated.

Impact

The girls' feedback is always very positive as it gives them a completely different perspective of the needs of their community. The centre offers such a wide range of services that for students looking to go into law, medicine or fundraising it gives them access to people working directly in those fields. For those who are overseas students, it is a unique opportunity to volunteer in a culture different from their own.

Pupil Involvement

12 girls from the Upper and Lower Sixth Form at Woldingham School and 18 girls from the Cardinal Hume Centre were involved.

Frequency

This is an annual activity although girls are encouraged to volunteer throughout the year.  Each visit lasts approximately 4 hours.