Community Links and Friends of St John's C of E Primary School

We raise funds to support disadvantaged children, families and the community surrounding St John's C

Community Links & Friends actively raise funds to support children, young people, families and individuals facing significant disadvantages in the Dorking area. We have created our LINKUP project in response to the Covid 19 Pandemic - to date we have recruited 32 new volunteers, delivered over 3000 food bags to local residents, made over 300 calls to those in need of emotional support, created and delivered mental health support activity packs for elderly isolated and families who are further disadvantaged because of the Lockdown and pandemic. Our community survey tells us that local residents want to access affordable physical activities such as swimming, family games, football, gardening and cycling. We need funding to help us continue this vital local support.

We run School and Community events to help us achieve this including Fayres, Sponsored Walks & Festivals such as GoodFest Dorking.. Any donations that we receive help our children, school and community to flourish. Over 50% of children are disadvantaged due to low income and nearly 35% of our children have additional special needs. We run projects and deliver provision which makes a meaningful difference to people's lives. We believe that every person of any age should have the support, care, holistic education and love which enables all of us to reach our fullest potentials.

Why the community needs us
We host and run many community projects far beyond the reach of our immediate 'school family' including the 'Belong Community Project' which supports children, young people and families living with disadvantages in the Goodwyns, Chart Downs, Rough Rew, North Holmwood & wider Dorking areas. We provide vital Family and Play Therapy for local families and support families both in school and out in the community to develop emotional, social, spiritual and mental well-being. We run a heavily subsidised Breakfast Club, an after School Club, holiday provision & partner with Jolly John's Play Farm -a community growing project for all ages.

Our impact on the community
Despite the apparent disadvantages that many of our local families face, children attending St John's are now making the greatest educational progress amongst all of Surrey's Primary Schools. We actively work in partnership to provide the very best, holistic support and provision for families and the wider community. Our many community partners who hire our facilities provide critical income which enables us to provide essential nurture & support through some of the projects outlined.

Volunteers needed

We welcome volunteers to join our friendly team support our wonderful School and children

What your gift could provide

£20

pays for a Play/Family Therapy session

£40

pays for a young person to receive mentoring one to one to help them transition through Covid times

£100

subsidises the cost for a child to go on a 'once in a lifetime' residential trip

Fundraise for us!