Monday July 29th 2024
Hayley Wilson, SBC’s unpaid work manager and P2 pupil Kit Chamberlin with his dog Baxter.
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Justice has been served at a Borders primary school after ‘Buddy Benches’ were installed.
When youngsters at Melrose Primary return after their summer break they will find two brand new benches in their playground.
The work has been carried out by individuals undertaking unpaid work through Scottish Borders Council’s Justice Services team, supported by the impressive fundraising efforts of P2 pupil Kit Chamberlin.
A Buddy Bench is a seat in a school playground where a child can go when they are feeling lonely or don’t have anyone to play with – they foster new friendships and give pupils a place to sit and gather.
The new benches are the result of a chance conversation between Kit and senior social worker Hayley Wilson, SBC’s unpaid work manager, when she confirmed that it would be possible for her team to undertake the project if some funds were raised to help pay for the materials.
Kit rose to the challenge and spent the summer raising enough money so that the two benches could be built and installed ready for the start of the school term.
Kit said: “I am happy I spoke to Hayley about the Buddy Bench; she is always kind to me and my dog Baxter.
“This summer I’ve been selling my best cakes and fundraising online for the wood, and I can’t wait to show my friends the new benches back at school.”
Natasha Cranston, deputy headteacher at Melrose Primary, added: “We could not be more grateful for all the help we have had this summer from the unpaid work team.
“Not only have they helped with the Buddy Benches, but they’ve also spent time prepping a wall at the school for a mural – a big part of our exiting new playground project which is transforming all our outdoor areas at the school.”
Councillor Tom Weatherston, SBC’s executive member for Social Work and Community Enhancement, said: “The Buddy Bench scheme provides an important and helpful source of support for our young people and all credit to Kit for showing such initiative and enterprise in helping to make this happen.
“This is a great example of the type of project that can enable individuals being supported by our Unpaid Work Service to make reparation to their local communities and I am delighted that Kit and his fellow pupils will soon be able to experience the benefits of their new benches.
“The team is always keen to hear about opportunities that might be suitable for them to support. Examples of the type of work they undertake include the manufacture of items such as picnic tables, planters, benches and items for schools, upkeep and construction of paths and fences, helping community groups with community gardens and allotment sites and assisting with community responses to weather events such as flooding and snow clearing.
“They also help vulnerable individuals in the community who benefit from support such as garden clearance and tidying, fence painting, removals etc.
“If you’re a not-for-profit organisation, charity, community group, social enterprise or partner agency working directly with vulnerable persons, they would welcome you getting in touch to see if your project or referral might be one they could consider.”
To find out more https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/criminal-justice
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