A new Crowdfunding campaign from the PTA at Beechen Cliff School in Bath raised £7,000 within a week of being launched.
The campaign’s aim is to raise £20,000 support four charities working within the school to support the mental health needs of students. “It was clear that funding assistance was required when 10% of the parent body got in touch with the school relating to mental health services,” explained Marina Beare, the co-Chair of the PTA. “On February 3rd 2021, the PTA launched a Crowdfunding campaign to both the parents, alumni and the wider Bath community and we were uncertain how this was to be received.
“Within a week of launching, we raised over £7,000 in donations and an outstanding number of supportive comments about this wonderful school community.”
Marina explained that £5,000 will go to support the ongoing work for the Solution-Focused Mental Health Programme which was launched in June 2020 for families and staff adversely affected by the pandemic. A further £5,000 will be used to buy laptops and IT equipment to provide practical support for students who do not have sufficient access to a laptop or adequate connectivity to be effective home learners.
£10,000 will also be spent on amenities to provide Covid-safe lunch facilities within the new school Clubhouse that had been previously funded by the PTA. This will include the provision of running water, drainage facilities and electricity. During September-December 2020, the Clubhouse was used as an emergency satellite canteen. Supporting these vital works will bring immediate benefits in COVID times and longer term resourcing for the wider community, in both social and sporting terms, as a fully functioning school facility.
Among the comments received by the PTA from the school’s community in response to the fundraising were –
“The school’s mental health support has been outstanding and is needed now more than ever. We would like other families to benefit in the same way that we have. Thank you for offering this incredibly valuable service.”
“Top job Beechen with the fantastic support you are giving to the pupils during this challenging time. Keeping us all informed every step of the way. Thank you.”
“Thank you for your tremendous effort during the last year to keep these young people motivated. There really are some exceptional staff who have gone above and beyond. Thank you for listening to our suggestions last summer and putting in place an excellent home learning experience. Everything is very much appreciated.”
“Having the mental health services and whole school approach to helping the boys in this way is AMAZING. Many thanks”
To contribute to the Beechen Cliff fundraising, click here