We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded the judges Special Mention recognition at the Education Choices Magazine ‘Education Choices Awards’ for Local Charity champion, following a fantastic year of fundraising, volunteering and community partnerships.
Following a tumultuous year from the effects of the cost-of-living crisis and flooding caused by storms across the country, Framlingham College’s focus on supporting local charities and the community has been more important than ever, with our pupil led Charity Committee, Charity Prefect, Phab Club Volunteers and Friends of Framlingham this year celebrated for all their brilliant work and continued passion to support our local community and raise money for causes close to our hearts.
Talking about the award recognition, Principal Louse North said: “I am delighted that the pupils and staff at Framlingham College have been recognised for the work that we do with our local charities and our local community, from our work with Phab Club to fundraising for local charities.
“At Framlingham we are preparing our young people for their adult world, and a huge part of this is for them to understand their social responsibility. It is about showing humility and gratitude for all that we have, and sharing and giving back to others whenever we can.”
Every year at Framlingham College, thousands of volunteering hours are completed by our pupils in a variety of after school activities; from the Framlingham Community Garden, dog-walking, litter picking, coffee mornings with elderly residents, charity shops, to supporting disability groups. Our annual Christmas Hamper and Winter Food Bank drives (in partnership with FIND) continues to be a huge success, supporting 62 families in Framlingham and the surrounding villages over the last year after the flooding caused by Storm Babet and Storm Bert.
Following our launch of Suffolk’s first Phab Club, we continue to support local young people living with disabilities. Our pupils volunteer with the club each week, and once a month we open our doors to those families to use our facilities, or take part in an activity here at the College; from archery, music, cooking and art.
Our Head of Phab Club, Adrian Bloore, said: “Charity initiatives support our pupils in better understanding the needs of others and encourages them to think beyond their own experiences. This builds empathy and emotional intelligence – essential life skills for building healthy relationships and being a responsible member of society.
“When working in volunteering teams, pupils learn to collaborate, communicate, and solve problems together; teamwork skills which they can take with them in future personal and professional environments. Charity work also gives pupils a chance to be a leader, take initiative and organise activities, enhancing leadership skills and self-confidence – all valuable skills in any future career or community role.
“Taking an active role in our Phab club helps pupils find meaning and responsibility in helping others. It nurtures a sense of pride, purpose, motivation, and belonging; all of which contribute to their own long-term mental well-being and resilience.”
This year, we partnered with two new community charities. Hour Community; a local charity who helps the residents of Framlingham and surrounding areas with essential support, such as transport, shopping, medical appointments and weekly social events like their Afternoon Tea events which we host in our Fowler Pavillion. And The Nest; a working farm based in Framlingham who offer day placements to teenagers and young adults with mental health issues.
Our annual Colour Run fundraiser returned this year on Wednesday 26th March, where the pupils, parents and staff of our Prep School raised money for The Sick Children’s Trust, a charity close to our hearts in memory of pupil Holly Bethell. It was a new fundraising record for us, finishing with an incredible final total of £4,520 which will cover 110 nights of care for families with sick children in the Sick Children’s Trust UK network of ‘Homes from Home’.
Discover more about our charity and community initiatives at Framlingham College.
