Youth Services for Young People in Addlestone.

I always find it enjoyable when a plan comes together and such an opportunity presented itself this week when I was invited to visit Jubilee High School in Addlestone and also St Paul’s Church next door which provides a number of youth services for local young people and are a recent recipient of a High Sheriff Youth Award Grant.

Jubilee High School is part of the excellent Bourne Education Trust which consists of 24 primary, secondary and specialist academies plus 8 associate schools in total educating some 14,000 young people. I met with Penny Alford – Deputy CEO, Andy Field – Chair of the Board, and James Newman – Transformation Director. Having attended my Summer Party at the Brooklands Museum they were fully aware of my Shrieval theme to help prevent young people from becoming NEET (Not in Education or Training) and were keen to understand how they could become more involved. Jubilee High School is a wonderful example of how they can transform the performance of a school both from the perception of its pupils and parents, and also the local community.

I also met with Rhi Hyatt, the Deputy Head of Jubilee High School, who expanded further on the school’s activities and also endorsed the wonderful work St Paul’s Church undertakes in connection with the school. Last year the High Sheriff Youth Awards gave a grant of £4,000 to help support the work St Paul’s undertake in the community. Running an after-school club for Jubilee High School, having a drop-in café, providing mentoring services and helping with the transition of year 6 pupils to joining Jubilee High School are just some examples of their youth provision. They will shortly also launch their winter warmer initiative which provides hot chocolate and a croissant before school. This safe space provides an opportunity for young people to socialise and gain self confidence. 

At the church I met with Rita and two other members of the PAIS team (who are international volunteers) who help run the youth activities together with Ron Enticott, my fellow High Sheriff Youth Award Trustee, who helped me present them with a certificate to commemorate their grant award.

A most enjoyable morning all round.