Felsted students support community at London night shelter

A group of students from Felsted School in north Essex lent a hand at a night shelter in the London borough of Newham recently, supporting the volunteers to provide local people with a warm place to stay during one of the coldest months of the year.

A dozen Year 12 students from the co-educational independent boarding and day school in north Essex helped provide food and company to people at the night shelter run by Felsted Mission, which was founded a century ago as part of the Ascension Church to support people in the Royal Docks area of London’s East End.

Hundreds of people rely on help provided by the Felsted Mission night shelter, and the church also provides a food bank, as well as lunches and social activities for children and older residents in the area.

‘The night shelter is a vital part of the community and does so much to help so many,’ said Felsted sixth former Ben. ‘It was a privilege to do what we could and make a difference for volunteers and guests.’ Fellow student Alexia agreed: ‘It was wonderful to work alongside the amazing volunteers at the Mission who work tirelessly to positively impact the lives of those who need it most. I look forward to the chance to contribute more.’

‘Making a difference’ is a key part of the Felsted ethos and students and staff are encouraged to volunteer their time and energy to help others. Pupils regularly choose to spend time at the Felsted Mission, supporting regular staff and chatting to local people using the services provided. In addition to the Felsted Mission, throughout the academic year, the Felsted School community supports numerous good causes, selected by the pupils themselves, who initiate and run fundraising activities.

The school also offers bursaries to pupils from the Royal Docks Academy, next door to the Felsted Mission, and provides teachers and resources. Felsted’s success in raising funds to support pupils from a wide range of backgrounds was recognised last year with the presentation of Independent School Parent magazine’s ‘Development Award for an Outstanding Fundraising Achievement 2024’.

‘We can all make a difference to our communities,’ explained Felsted Chaplain, Rev. Nigel Little. ‘It is such a joy to have so many volunteers who want to do all they can to help others.’

Felsted School was named Boarding School of the Year 2023 at the TES Schools Awards and in December 2024 was appointed by IB-Schools.com as ‘A Top 30 UK IB School for 2024’ for excellence in academic achievement. In 2024 Felsted was also awarded a prestigious Eco-Schools’ Green Flag for their exceptional work in promoting sustainability and raising environmental awareness, Felsted was also awarded the esteemed ‘Sleep Champion’ status by the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA), and an Independent Schools of the year Award for ‘The Development Award for an Outstanding Fundraising Achievement 2024’ by Independent School Parent magazine.