CCS(W) Ambassadors in Secondary Schools and Sixth Form Colleges
The CCS(W) Ambassador scheme was launched in January 2010. With an aim to build and strengthen links between Students aged 16-18 with the Society, we now have dynamic young people representing the CCS(W) in nearly a third of all secondary and sixth form schools within the Diocese of Westminster.
Students agree to represent the Society and regularly communicate the work and development of our services to their school community. The Scheme equips Ambassadors with the skills that they will find useful once they complete their statutory education, plus we hope that they will continue to be compassionate and proactive about issues surrounding child poverty in their local area long into their adult life. In addition, the role is a great example of good character to include when completing a UCAS application.
Our Inspiration Days take place at either Guy Chester Centre in Muswell Hill or at the CCS(W) offices near Ladbroke Grove. The morning kicks off with Ambassadors being addressed by our Chief Executive Dr. Rosemary Keenan. Throughout the day, speakers from the clergy, supporting organisations and staff from the CCS(W) give talks on the importance of the role of an Ambassador, fundraising ideas and how their efforts can help some of London’s poorest and most troubled young people. We then end the day with a lunch and have the opportunity to network and socialise with Ambassadors from various schools within the Diocese.
The Society supports its Ambassadors in many ways, keeping in close communication through e-newsletters, school visits and assisting with the organisation of fundraising events planned by the student. Although support and assistance is available, we encourage the Ambassadors to retain ownership of their position and develop their organisation and project/people management abilities. Christopher Alley is the new coordinator for the Ambassadors and is available to answer your queries about joining the scheme. A former student of Cardinal Vaughn school and Royal Holloway - University of London, he is keen to get to know all of our existing Ambassadors as well as recruit students from schools who are yet to get involved.
“The Ambassador Scheme is a great way for students who care about poverty on their doorstep to actually do something about it, I’m busy organising some great fundraising events and activities for the students to get involved in...... it’s all good stuff!”
If your school would like to get involved with the Ambassador scheme, please click here to download a form. It can be emailed to juliew@cathchild.org.uk or sent by post to the Catholic Children's Society (Westminster) 73, St Charles Square, London W10 6EJ