Star academy brings ray of sunshine to Blackpool communities during coronavirus lockdown

Staff and pupils at Highfield Leadership Academy are doing their bit to help during the coronavirus pandemic

In between studies, they have been working hard to support vulnerable people in the community as part of the Star Coronavirus Appeal.

Operating out of the Star Family Hub, which has been set up at the school to support the local community during the pandemic, the South Shore school has been supporting pupils and their families and other members of the local community by delivering hundreds of food parcels to local families and vulnerable residents.

Hundreds of pieces of protective equipment, including goggles and glasses, have also been donated to Trinity Hospice and other local carers.

Highfield Leadership Academy has been sending sunshine messages to local vulnerable people in isolation

Scores of pupils have been helping raise the spirits of vulnerable people in isolation by sending them messages of hope via a a Sending You Sunshine Project.

This has seen pupils sending postcards and videos filled with uplifting messages and teachers even knitted mini sunshines for people who live in care homes in the Blackpool area.

Blackpool Coastal Housing has praised the school and its pupils for their work in the community and will give the team special recognition at their annual community awards.

School principal Andrew Galbraith said: "The energy with which our pupils, families and staff have embraced our coronavirus appeal has been inspiring and we will continue to work hard and find safe ways to support our community during what will be a challenging time for many.

Staff and pupils form Highfield Leadership Academy have been collecting PPE for Trinity Hospice and other care givers

"Providing support to our communities during lockdown has become an important part of our school’s work and we will do everything we can to help those in our community who are in need of our help."

He added: "I’m proud that the Sending You Sunshine project has been spreading a little cheer in our community, during a very difficult time, so to receive recognition for this work from Blackpool Coastal Housing is truly wonderful."

The school has remained open open every day, including weekends, to provide vital care for the children of key workers and vulnerable pupils.

The coronavirus fundraising appeal is just one of several initiatives launched by Star Academies and its schools to help those facing difficulties in local communities and to support parents and carers .

A telephone helpline, Starline, has been launched to help give practical education advice to parents and carers and a YouTube broadcast StarLive is broadcast weekly to help parents as they educate their children at home.

To help make a difference to local people who are in desperate need with a donation to the coronavirus charity appeal visit www.starcoronavirusappeal.org/donate.