Stand Up for Charity
Our Head Girl organised a hugely successful charity comedy night this week, raising funds to support local, disadvantaged young people find employment.
‘Stand Up for Spear’ featured award-winning comedians Bec Hill, Jon Long and Ross Smith alongside two very special guests: Mathematics teacher, Mr Willett, and English teacher, Mr Garrard, who took to the stage to deliver impressively polished performances with typical South Hampstead verve and wit.
Since September, we have been partnering with Spear, the award-winning programme designed to spark a transformation in the lives of unemployed young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and prepare them for the workplace. The comedy night boosted the fundraising tally to nearly £15,000 since our partnership with the charity began last term. Each week, our Sixth Form Spear ambassadors volunteer at the local branch at Holy Trinity Church on Finchley Road, supporting the Spear facilitators in group and one-to-one sessions with trainees, helping to create job lists and write CVs. South Hampstead staff have lent their support by running sessions on body language and presentation skills as well as helping with mock interviews for the trainees. A number of parents have generously given their time and expertise, conducting interviews too, as well as donating smart interview attire.
Ms Aneja, who leads the programme at South Hampstead, commented: “There’s been such enthusiasm for this partnership. The girls have learned so much, acquiring new skills and experiences. Working on initiatives like this is critical in shaping sensitive, empathetic leaders of the future. We are grateful to the whole school community for their support.”
Spear offers a year-long programme that begins with an intensive six weeks of pre-employment training. The initiative has supported over 5,000 unemployed 16 to 24 year olds in the past decade. 75% remain in work a year later. It takes £1,500 to support a young person through the Spear Programme for one year. Just £50 will enable Spear Camden to facilitate a one-to-one coaching session and multiple job applications for a young person. Please follow this link to make a donation online to our local Spear centre.