keS PUPILS STEP UP AS YOUNG AMBASSADORS FO CHILDREN'S HOSPICE SOUTH WEST
Three teams of Sixth Form pupils from KES are taking part in this year’s Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) Young Ambassadors Scheme, presenting creative and impactful fundraising ideas in support of the charity’s essential work.
The hospice scheme, run in partnership with local schools and colleges, invites students to help raise awareness of CHSW while developing valuable personal and professional skills. Through training, mentoring and hands on experience, Young Ambassadors gain confidence in communication and presentation, learn about event planning, understand how a charity operates, and play a meaningful role in promoting CHSW’s mission to make the most of short and precious lives.
Earlier this term, as part of their taking on the role as Ambassadors, the KES teams pitched their fundraising ideas to a panel of local Bath professionals including Laura Cole, Marketing & Business Development Director for Goughs Solicitors, Neal Wood, Director of Sales at Hamptons, Alex Picklington, Director of Growth at Mostly Media and Michelle Sullivan, Executive Coach.
The KES teams and their ideas comprise:
The Mighty Minions (Niamh, Jack, Orlando and Damla)
- The Mighty Minions team’s fundraising idea centres on hosting a Minion Movie Night at KES Junior School. Their aim is to create a fun event for younger pupils, while also using the opportunity to share the charity’s message in an accessible way. Inspired by a similar event two of the team had previously helped to run in Year 6, the team recognised the concept’s strong potential: it’s low cost, simple to deliver and will guarantee fundraising. The team were keen to become Ambassadors so that they could give back to a charity that means so much to many in the South West area.
Paint It Forward (Aleena, Constantina, Becca, Henry and Teddy)
- The second KES team plan to host an art competition, open to school age pupils, with winners receiving art supplies donated by a local artist. They also hope to curate an exhibition to showcase all entries and, with permission, auction selected pieces in a silent auction to maximise charitable impact.
- The team were keen to become Young Ambassadors in order to “do some good in the world” in addition to stepping outside their comfort zone. For those studying Economics, the project offers real world insight into profitability, advertising and strategic planning. Most importantly, they hope to finish the scheme knowing they have contributed to an “amazing cause.”
The Four Bears (Heath, Ben, Theo and Raheem)
- The Four Bears’ proposal is a sponsored walk along the Cotswold Way, designed to raise both funds and awareness by engaging with local communities along the route. Inspired by CHSW’s bear mascot, the “Going on a Bear Hunt” theme aims to appeal especially to younger supporters while setting their walk apart from other, more traditional fundraisers.
The pupils chose a local route to spark interest in the areas closest to Charlton Farm hospice. They shared that planning the project themselves has given them a sense of responsibility, strengthened their teamwork, and deepened their understanding of the charity’s impact.
Commenting on the three teams’ efforts to support CHSW as Young Ambassadors, Luke Benedict, Head of Sixth Form at KES, said:
“Our Young Ambassadors exemplify what KES Sixth Form is all about. They demonstrate purposeful service, real responsibility and genuine growth as they champion the vital work of Children’s Hospice South West and make a meaningful contribution to our wider community. At the same time, they are developing some of life’s fundamental skills as they move towards adulthood. They learn to communicate with clarity, work as teams effectively, solve problems with maturity and hold one another to account. This blend of empathy, initiative and professionalism is what helps to prepare our pupils for life beyond school.”
Heidi Roberts, Area Fundraiser, Children’s Hospice South West added:
“It is a privilege to work with the KES Young Ambassadors who truly impressed the local professionals with their well thought out presentations, and the atmosphere was electric in the sixth form common room post each team presenting; it was truly incredible to observe.
"We have seen these Ambassadors develop so much in confidence since their interviews in October, and we look forward to welcoming them to Bath’s local children’s hospice, Charlton Farm in March which will bring to life for the Ambassadors how we “create precious memories” for over 200 families in our care, and how they will be making a difference to them”.
