Invicta Vlogs
Being charitable
As we approach the festive season, we are often reminded to reflect on the year not only we ourselves have had, but also the year in the lives of others, often less fortunate than ours. With Hanukkah starting on 28 November and Christmas later in December, both events are significantly influenced by acts of charity, which prompts me to talk about our own charity events within Invicta this year.
It is that time of year again where Invicta prepares for our annual RAG (Raise and Give) Week. A week of Christmas festivities, hilarious shows and brilliant dressing up following the themes, all to raise money for our five selected RAG charities. This year our Senior Prefect Team and Leadership POP team have been working hard, organising the many events taking place and the promotional material to raise interest. With the first event, Invicta Soccer Aid, kicking off on Wednesday, 8 December, the excitement has never been higher, especially as this is the first RAG week in two years. Although the events and themed days are a great joy for students and teachers alike, it is important to remember why we fundraise.
The first charity we have chosen to support this academic year is Maidstone Mencap. This organisation provides amazing opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities. Throughout the week and school holidays they host playschemes, helping the children and young adults to not only develop social skills but an opportunity to be in a different, safe environment with new people and incredible facilities, including a wonderful sensory room, complete with a bubble tower and calming light projections. This is particularly close to the hearts of several members of the prefect team and many other students throughout the school as many of us donate our time volunteering there and even have family members and friends benefiting from the work the Mencap team does. https://maidstonemencap.org
The next charity we chose was Tourettes Action, a support and research charity for people with Tourettes Syndrome and their families. Tourettes Syndrome is a neurological condition characterised by tics—involuntary sounds and movements. This charity was suggested to us as many students within the school and their families benefit from the services Tourettes Action provides. This includes the most up to date research and resources on the science and symptoms of Tourettes Syndrome and incredible amounts of support for people with the condition, whilst battling to fight the stigma and misinformation that is often interpreted about Tourettes Syndrome. https://www.tourettes-action.org.uk
Therapy Partners is the next RAG charity we chose in acknowledgement of all the services they provide for students at Invicta. Therapy Partners is made up of a team of fully trained and accredited multi-agency professionals offering a variety of services. Based all over Kent, they pride themselves on their quick referral to treatment times, pioneering whole school approach, bespoke training packages, and workplace wellbeing services. Therapy Partners have worked with Invicta for many years and are a vital part of the support for students in conjunction with Pastoral Staff teams and the increased effort to support and combat mental health within education.
https://www.therapypartners.co.uk
The next charity we chose is Slideaway, a bereavement support service for children in Kent, which acknowledges their grief and experience of loss following the death of a close relative or friend. Slideaway is an excellent charity founded by Denise Ross, former Chartered Educational Psychologist. Built from the ground up after the tragic loss of her son, Denise Ross bases the charity’s work around supporting school children in Kent by providing workshops, memory days, and even Pre-bereavement support for children and young people who are living with a family member who has a life limiting illness. They have also recently collaborated with another charity, Abigail’s Footsteps, to ensure that there is support for siblings who are affected by a stillbirth or neonatal death. We are really proud to be able to support this charity this academic year.
Our final RAG charity this year is BEAT Eating Disorders, a charity supporting those affected by eating disorders and campaigning on their behalf. They are currently the UK’s leading charity for this cause, providing online support groups, up to date research, resources for schools and support systems, and tips for supporting someone. Their main resource is their national helpline; this exists to encourage and empower people to get help quickly, “ because we know the sooner someone starts treatment, the greater their chance of recovery. People can contact us online or by phone 365 days a year. We listen to them, help them to understand the illness, and support them to take positive steps towards recovery.” We are very privileged to be able to show our appreciation to help this organisation continue such incredible work.
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Thank you Invicta for your generous donations and contribution towards our RAG Week as we thoughtfully approach the festive season.
Ashleigh Jeynes
Senior Prefect
