Hartlepool primary school welcomes Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle to opening of new charity project
Families of children at a Hartlepool school can get a welcome helping hand thanks to a new community project.
St Cuthbert’s RC Primary School has opened a Helping Hands hub packed with pre-loved clothes, toys, shoes, baby supplies and food parcels donated by the community.
The initiative was the idea of caring pupils on the school council and formally blessed at its grand opening by Stephen Wright Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle.
Alongside the clothes and toy bank, the hub features a room that will host a weekly coffee morning, talks and visitors on a range of topics, and serve as a general meeting place for families.
St Cuthbert’s headteacher Joanne Wilson said: “We have got pre-loved clothes, toys, shoes, baby essentials such as nappies, and food parcels.
“It is for the community of St Cuthbert’s but also further afield if people are in need.
“Children need to be well fed and clothed and have all the essentials to do well at school, and we feel as a Christian school it’s our role to show welcome and kindness to everybody.
“It is particularly important when families relocate to the area or move in difficult circumstances to make sure everybody’s got that start.
“It was the idea of the children on the school council who asked ‘could we do more to support our community?’
“Everything’s donated by the community and we had a really good response.”
The hug has breathed new life into an unused classroom.
Guests planned to provide advice and support from the building include mental health nurses, SEND professionals, police, and more.
Mrs Wilson cut the ribbon while Bishop Stephen blessed it before meeting pupils on a tour of the school.
He said of the project: “It’s a joy and a privilege to be here. It’s a fantastic project.
“It’s one that’s needed and it’s one that will be used, and I know that the local community will really benefit from it.
“It’s a joyful occasion and we pray that many, many people will be helped by the charity and the love that’s offered here.”
The Helping Hands hub will be open to the community on Wednesday mornings.