North Shields primary takes part in fundraising for Children in Need

Pupils at a North Shields primary raised money for Children in Need by coming to school on Friday with painted faces and in Pudsey Bear colours.
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All children from nursery to Year 6 at St Joseph’s RC Primary School were invited to join in the fundraising, in return for a small donation to the BBC’s annual fundraising appeal.

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Children also took part in class-based activities related to Children in Need, such as scenarios on building empathy for others, developing relationships, how to articulate their feelings. biscuit making and art and craft activities.

The school raised just over £200 by Friday afternoon. 

Sarah McLaughlin, deputy head teacher at St Joseph’s RC Primary School, which is part of Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, said: “At St Joseph's, we strive to support one another on a day-to-day basis, whether it be though having the opportunity to talk to each other about our feelings, helping with learning or even a smile. 

“Every year, we take part in Children in Need because it is vital that we support those in our wider community and also across the country. 

“As some of the money raised supports charities local to us, it enhances the lives of children and families by improving their situations and life experiences.

“We, like many schools, understand how mental health has been impacted by the pandemic and, for children and families facing disadvantages, the effects are more severe.   

“As wellbeing and mental health are priorities integral to our school ethos, we support the work of Children in Need and their continued advocacy of mental health charities.”

BBC Children in Need launched its first major appeal in 1980 and has since raised more than £1 billion.

The money raised is used to support disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

BBC Children in Need is currently supporting over 3000 local charities and projects in communities across the UK that are helping children and young people facing a range of disadvantages such as living in poverty, being disabled or ill, or experiencing distress, neglect or trauma.
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In the last grant year alone, the lives of over 600,000 disadvantaged children and young people in the UK have been supported.