The students from the Belvedere Academy were nominated by Paul Wright, Kicks Targeted Co-Ordinator, for their outstanding dedication towards our Onside + programme!

As part of our Onside+ programme, pupils are tasked with identifying an issue that they would like to raise awareness about. After lots of consideration, it was decided that the girls from Belvedere Academy, would choose ‘Suicide’, as the issue that they felt most strongly about.

The way in which they raise awareness, can be done in so many ways, however, the girls from Belvedere decided that they not only wanted to raise awareness, but they also thought it is important to raise much needed funds, for a charity that gives support to those affected by suicide.

With that, they arranged to host an evening dinner, where those who attended, would pay a small fee to go towards Papyrus. PAPYRUS which stands for Prevention of Young Suicide is a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.

There were 10 girls who took part on the programme and each of them were given various roles, to help organise and execute the dinner party, as well as raffled off numerous prizes during the event.

Approximately 70 people attended the dinner, from the headteacher, parents, to special guests. The whole event was a massive success. Not only was this an opportunity to support a charity, but it also allowed the girls to step outside their comfort zones and do things that they had never done before.

Besides hosting the event and raffling off some great prizes to raise funds, they also had a cake sale within school. The total funds that were raised amounted to just over £1,300, which is such a massive achievement.

As a result of the connection made between Belvedere Academy and Papyrus, they are looking to work together in whatever capacity they can and continue to drive their message forward, raising as much awareness as they can.

Following the completion of the programme, Paul Wright spoke with all the participants, as well as teachers, and said: 'the amount of pride is amazing. After speaking with the headteacher, she not only told me of the importance of the message, but also how much the girls from within the group have learnt and have gained so much experience that will certainly assist them in many ways.'

Congratulations and well done girls!