The Epsom Lockdown Challenge kicked off in style this week, with the whole school rallying in support of those working on the frontline against Covid, or to help those badly affected by the past year of lockdowns and economic hardship.
Pupils have been engaged in activities away from their screens, while donations have been pouring into the College (view gallery below).
Find out more about the Epsom Lockdown Challenge
Supporting those on the frontline
Whether it’s boosting the morale of staff in Intensive Care, or celebrating the efforts of those administering vaccines at the Epsom Racecourse, there are loads of ways to show your support. We are actively seeking donations such as:
- Items for ‘pamper baskets’ (hand creams, soaps, moisturisers) – to make the NHS Teams feel valued, and able to pamper themselves after hours spent on the frontline
- Fresh fruit – many of the keyworkers are on their feet for hours at a time and need healthy snacks they can just grab and go
- Home-baked treats – indulgent treats for NHS staff, but rather than large cakes (that need to cut and shared) smaller, individual items such as cookies, cupcakes and biscuits are really cherished by NHS staff
- Thank you cards and letters – as the nation tires of the Thursday clap, it means a lot for the frontline workers to know their efforts are still value
Helping those hardest hit
A year of lockdowns has taken its toll, and many families are struggling to weather the storm. Local charities are seeing unprecedented demand, and we can each play our part in supporting their vital work.
- Epsom and Ewell Food Bank
The College will serve as a drop-off point for non-perishable goods Please leave donations in the marked box just inside Reception, daily from 8am-4 pm. Here’se what the charity needs the most:
URGENT
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- Instant mash
- Long-life sponge puddings
- Sugar (500g bags)
- Powdered milk
- Rice Pudding
- Washing powder
- Shampoo
- Tinned vegetables
THEY ARE LOW ON
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- Pasta sauce
- Coffee
- Hair conditioner
- Long-life fruit juice
- Female deodorant
- Bars of soap
- Tampons
- Rice
- Washing up liquid
- UHT Milk (blue or green only please)
- Tinned potatoes
- Growbaby Kingston
As a small local charity founded by former Epsom parents, Growbaby supports families in need in our local community. There are many ways to help, though the charity has suggested that monetary support would be the most safe. They do also have an Amazon Wishlist which would be very helpful at the present time. Information can be found here.
- Shooting Star Chase Children’s Hospices
The coronavirus pandemic has been a real challenge for the local charity, selected as our pupils’ choice last term. Shooting Star care for severely vulnerable patients and their families. There are lots of ways to get involved.One of the challenges that pupils (and parents!) may particularly want to sign up to in the ‘virtual space race’ – taking place this March. The challenge is to walk, run or cycle to the moon. Find out more by clicking this link.
- Age Concern Epsom and Ewell
Age Concern are genuinely struggling during the pandemic and urgently needs volunteers for its services, checking in with older residents. You can apply to work as a volunteer for the charity here.
The charity is also seeking much-needed donations to continue their crucial work for the older residents in our community. You can donate here.
Plugging the digital divide
Upper Sixth student, Izzy Burke (Rv), is campaigning to close the gap between the digital haves and have nots, and seeks your support.
“The second closure of schools has once again highlighted the inequality between children across the country and is a problem that the Epsom Community can help to reduce,” she explains.
“A recent study found that between 1.14 million and 1.78 million children across the UK do not have access to a laptop or device for homeschooling. At Epsom we have the privilege of experiencing high-quality online lessons as well as access to multiple devices.
“This digital divide will have long-lasting effects, increasing the learning gap and putting vulnerable children at a further disadvantage.
I propose that the Epsom College community play their part in reducing the digital divide by donating old working laptops and devices.
“The Epsom and Ewell Food Bank are a major collector of donated technology – they have donated 150 laptops so far to children in need. As a dropoff hub for the Food Bank, the College can collect your used technology (in good working condition, with chargers) at Reception, or you can take it to the Food Bank (see link below). There are also other options for those living further from the College.”
Please check here for advice on what can and can’t be donated
- Epsom and Ewell Foodbank are accepting donations of equipment – Based in Epsom and Ewell
- Catbytes Digital Community – Based in Wandsworth, Merton and Kingston
- Power to Connect – Based in Wandsworth
