A SCHOOLS trust has established a registered charity to address the pressing issue of poverty among learners and their families.
Called River Tees More, it becomes the charitable arm of The River Tees Multi Academy Trust, which caters for students with additional needs in the Middlesbrough and Gateshead areas.
The charity is now appealing to local businesses and the community to support its efforts as the North East of England continues to grapple with higher levels of poverty than other regions in the UK.
The Trust’s schools include River Tees Secondary, River Tees Primary, River Tees Academy Grangetown, River Tees Hospital School and River Tyne Academy Gateshead.
Schools help pupils who have been excluded or are in danger of being excluded and children with physical and mental health conditions, all of who are unable to attend their mainstream school, either temporarily or more long term.
Lorraine Preston has been appointed charities manager and will be supported by newly appointed trustees of the charity.
She said: “For many families, making ends meet often means that educational expenses become a secondary concern. This economic strain can result in significant barriers for learners, including insufficient access to essential learning resources and participation in extracurricular activities.”
A new report by IPPR North, an independent charity working towards a fairer, greener, and more prosperous society, indicates that learners from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to face hurdles that impact their educational outcomes and that there is a direct link between deprivation in the region and high suspension and exclusion rates.
The charity aims to:
• provide targeted support that alleviates the financial burdens faced by learners and their families;
• offer direct assistance to students in need, including provision of school uniforms, educational materials and support for extracurricular activities, as well as ensuring their wellbeing is attended to as a priority;
• focus on fostering community engagement and empowerment, working closely with local organisations, businesses and volunteers to build a network of support that extends beyond the classroom, such as work experience or careers advice;
• play a pivotal role in advancing educational equity by addressing the financial constraints that disproportionately affect students, thereby enhancing the overall educational experience and improving long-term prospects;
• establish a long-term commitment to making a sustainable difference by securing ongoing funding through donations, grants and community partnerships to benefit students well into the future.
Lorraine said: “The creation of a registered charity marks a significant milestone in our Academy Trust’s ongoing efforts to support our learners. We are excited about the positive changes this initiative will bring and are committed to working diligently to achieve our goals.
“We invite the community, local businesses and individuals to join us in this vital endeavour. Together we can have a meaningful impact on the lives of our students and help pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future.”
A £5 donation will cover the cost of a swimming lesson, helping a child acquire essential lifesaving skill.
A £15 donation provides an overnight pack for a residential stay, including a towel, shower gel, toothbrush, toothpaste, sun cream and deodorant.
A £20 donation can supply a child with a pair of shoes, while a £60 donation ensures a child receives a complete school uniform.
For more information about the charity and how to become involved, visit the website https://riverteesmore.org.uk/ or contact Lorraine on (01642) 265918 ext 1011 or at lorraine.preston@rtmat.org.uk.
