Schools Work in Bath Connect Mentoring The 20/21 academic year was like no other we’ve ever experienced. With our team taking mentoring online, we were able to keep reaching and supporting young people through Lockdown 2 and beyond as they returned to school. We mentored over 40 young people, an increase on the previous year, which is indicative of the effect of the pandemic and lockdowns on young people. As soon as possible we made our way safely back into schools to provide a more engaging and normal experience, with the added extras of masks, sanitising and lots of fresh air. It really was a blessing to stand alongside and support so many young people across 4 state schools in the city through an unprecedented challenging time for all.
Self-esteem courses One of the knock-on effects of the various lockdowns during the year was the lack of opportunity for Year 7 pupils to form friendships. Schools noticed that girls appeared to lack the confidence and selfassurance needed to make friends. In response to this and at schools’ request we developed and delivered a knew self-esteem course for 6 separate groups. Along with the Shine project this helped us to
continue to support young females in recognising their worth, value and importance in today’s world.
Assemblies By December 2020 another lockdown precluded the opportunity to lead Christmas school assemblies. However, several schools expressed the desire to have a Christian Christmas message delivered to their young people. Eden and Katie, as well as Tim Rudge, youth worker at Life Church Bath, each made a short film of the Christmas message for schools to use. Combined, these films portrayed the message of Christmas and the reality of the season, that we are never alone.
Breakfast Club The St Mark’s Breakfast Club was not able to run during the year 2020-21. We are planning to restart in September 2021 offering free toast, cereal, tea & coffee. We are grateful to Waitrose, Co-op & Tesco for their contributions as well as some local individuals & St Luke’s Church. Prior to Covid restrictions we would frequently have up to thirty children in The Sanctuary, and once word spreads, we hope to welcome back similar numbers.
