Wealden Hub - Facilities and resource support

Benenden School provides a range of transport and resources support to local charities, organisations and schools. 

Aims

Benenden School aim to support the local community in West Kent in a range of ways, maximizing the impact of our resources.  We have looked to engage with a spectrum of local groups to ensure that the local community are aware of what Benenden can offer in terms of resources, facilities and volunteers.  

Background

Benenden has a long history of collaborating with local partners and over the years has formed a local network.

Resources

The range of resources are wide and the list below gives examples of the type of activities and support Benenden provides:

- two minibus with drivers, provided to a primary school to enable their pupils to attend swimming lessons

- volunteers to assist in the refreshment at the local church fete

-stoves and lighting for the local Pre-school Christmas Fair, in 2021 we provide Father Christmas and elves for the grotto

-hosted the Benenden Fireworks Society 2022 bonfire and display enabling over 1500 members of the local community to the school grounds to watch the display (the profits from the event are disturbed to local charities)

-hosted the local Ukrainian community to the School for an afternoon in the Summer 

-Benenden hosted and played a key part in the formation of the Invicta Choir which has released a Christmas single, with 5 local West Kent Choirs and a choir from Ukraine.  The story of this was featured nationwide on BBC Breakfast:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9nhWP7OKL4

-Benenden is working with Wellbeing in the Weald to have support a number of events, including a walk within its grounds, provision of facilities and a planned lunch and afternoon lecture event in 2023.

-providing minibus transport for a school to enable student attendance at a conference

-provide lunchtime meals everyday, at cost price to a local primary school

-access to the School trampoline facility at no charge for a student in the local community to enable them to train 

-regular donations and support to a local food bank 

 

 

Impact

We assess the impact through the range and variety of our interactions with the local community.

Pupil Involvement

There are variety of ways Benenden pupils participate, from volunteering for one off events, to helping in the raising of money for specific local charities.  

Frequency

These events happen throughout the year and will be continuing.