Volunteering - Pollyteach

At Pollyteach, we encourage all learners to be the best versions of themselves. One way we do this is through Supported Volunteering.

Supported volunteering gives students the chance to take part in meaningful volunteering roles with the right support in place. With guidance from trained staff, students build confidence, develop practical and social skills, and contribute positively to their community.

Coppice Lodge Care Home

A group of students have been volunteering every Wednesday at a local care home in Arnold. During their visits, they have spent time supporting residents, many of whom are living with dementia, by making Christmas crafts, playing games, chatting, and singing together.

The students have built meaningful connections with the residents and gained valuable communication and empathy skills. In the final week of term, they will be putting on a Christmas nativity for the residents, their families, and staff. The care home has been so impressed with the students that they have asked for the visits to continue on a weekly basis in the New Year.

Food Banks – Kirkby & Annesley

Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, students take part in volunteering at two local food banks as part of their Preparing for Adulthood sessions. The students begin by purchasing essential items from a local supermarket before travelling to the food banks.

Once there, they help to sort donations by checking dates and putting items away, before working together to prepare food parcels. These parcels are then delivered to people who are unable to attend in person. The students take great pride in supporting their local community and enjoy the opportunity to make a real difference.