Making space for new hub

Check out GFM page on Facebook

LIFE under lockdown can be tough but this can be particularly tough if one parent is away on a deployment. To combat isolation among Services Families the GFM has had great success reaching out via the new GFM Service Community Facebook group. Social media is one of the main means of communication for many local families and so it was decided the group might be an effective and efficient way of connecting with our community. Through the feed, the GFM are now able to inform parents of events, groups and activities that are taking place through-

out the week. This includes Think Different Thursdays aimed at encouraging families to be engaged in something new, hopefully making new friends and boosting mental wellbeing. Alex and Lesley from the service team hosted the first event in the series; a plant-based cooking session. It got a huge thumbs up from families. The theme for the challenges is healthy choice with other sessions including physical activities.

Helping the community

RETIRED staff and a small army of community volunteers are helping to keep our students and staff safe by coordinating Covid testing. The lateral flow test is being led by former Head of Science Louise Webb and one-time Finance Director Denise Sanders. The call to action was heeded and ably supported by a community of around 15 volunteers who have helped test up to 200 staff and students a week since December. Louise said: “We are still very much a part of the GFM community so were happy to help.”

All clear for HUB

Site prepared by volunteers for new development...

YOUNGSTERS volunteered their time to clear a site designated for a new building as part of a national project. Students from Military Mentors, a Gosport based college which prepares 16-19-year-olds for life in the armed forces, spent the day clearing debris from Brune Park Community School in December. Work will now begin on the site which will become home to a new Royal Navy funded service children and family’s community hub. The potential armed forces recruits from the college took part in the wasteland clearance as part of the National Citizenship Service (NCS) scheme. The nationwide scheme encourages youngsters to get involved in volunteering projects that will make a difference to their community and is incorporated into their college course. The students also did a beach clean of Lee-on-Solent this week as part of the NCS scheme. Military Mentors founder Tony West, a former Navy Commander, said: “The students have learned the importance of helping the community with this project. “Our job is to prepare them for what they may face when they join the military and projects like these are a good grounding. “The GFM have been big supporters

Gosport Futures

of ours and we have a strong partnership. Lots of the students taking part today were former GFM students at either Brune Park or Bay House.” Ashley Williams, 16, a former Brune Park student, said: “It felt strange being back in the old school, reliving all the good fun times. It feels good to help out the local community.” Chris Willis, Executive Trust Lead - Personal Development and Community at the Gosport and Fareham Trust said: “We have a fantastic working partnership between the GFM and Military Mentors and are delighted with their support. “We are incredibly grateful to the fantastic cohort of Uniformed Public Services students at Military Mentors and Tony West for their hard work.” Military Mentors are now holding open days. To book call 07856 975 376 or apply online at militarymentors.co.uk.