Back To School

Despite the social distancing challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic, the Argyle Community Trust continues to provide an essential local service to those who need it most.

In the weeks that have passed since lockdown began, the Trust has delivered a number of initiatives, including regular telephone calls to those who are socially isolated, delivering #LearnPlaySucceed packs to young people, and even hosting exercise and nutrition classes remotely.

Some members of the Trust team, though, have returned to the classroom, providing specialist support to primary schools the area, including Laira Green, Lipson Vale, Boringdon, St Peter’s RC, and Pomphlett.

The Trust’s involvement adds up to 53 hours of delivery per week for children of ‘key workers’, focusing on physical education, skill-based sessions, and classroom support for core subjects like Maths and English.

Heavily involved in the delivery of these sessions is Trust team member Rhys Hannon. He said: “We have been working with school staff to offer a wide range of activities to support and develop children’s physical and mental wellbeing.

“As well as encouraging active learning and participation, we are extending outdoor activities as we recognise this as the healthiest place for children to be.”

It is not just supplementary staffing being provided by the Trust at this time, though. The team have also been hard at work back at their Manadon Sports Hub base, putting together goody bags for families who could use some extra support.

These packs include sports equipment, among other things, to help vulnerable children and their families stay active during lockdown. At present, the Trust is delivering packs for 100 children per week across a variety of schools, which include Lipson Vale, Laira Green, Keyham Barton, Pilgrim Primary, Ford Primary, and Shakespeare Primary.

The Argyle Community Trust remains dedicated to supporting as many people as possible during this period. If you, or anyone you know, are in need of a helping hand, please contact community@pafc.co.uk.