Latest news with #communitywork
BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Derbyshire school shortlisted for global award
A school in Heanor that was heavily criticised by inspectors a decade ago has been shortlisted for an international award in honour of its community Gate Spencer Academy was branded "inadequate" by Ofsted inspectors in 2013 but has been rated as "outstanding" since it has earned a nomination in the Community Collaboration category of the World's Best School Prizes event, organised by educational platform T4 Education, in recognition of its work with a local foodbank, care home and boxing Matt Jones told the BBC he wanted his school to be "at the heart of the community" rather than just being about classroom lessons. Mr Jones said the school had stepped up its community involvement since the Covid pandemic."There have been a lot of people involved in the evolution of the school," he said."It's not just academic success, rising through the ranks Ofsted, but also developing community partnerships." "I think Covid brought us all together as a community."There was a lot of work to do to support families through that period. Money was tight and we had to do as much as we could to try and provide support that was more than education and our school did fantastically well."The school has teamed up with Heanor's Salcare Foodbank with pupils working to help cut the stigma for people using this have also collaborated with a local primary school to help residents in nearby care homes and children from the school regularly have boxing coaching at the Full Power Fitness 14, welcomed the school award nomination, saying: "I think it is a great opportunity for the school to be seen and noticed and it makes me proud that I am part of the school."When I was told it [the award scheme] was worldwide I was shocked that we had made it into the top ten." T4 Education founder Vikas Pota said: "It is in schools like Heanor Gate Spencer Academy where we find the innovations and expertise that give us hope for a better future. "Congratulations on becoming a finalist for the World's Best School Prizes 2025. Leaders and schools around the world have so much to learn from this inspirational Derbyshire institution."There are four other categories in the competition and the winners will be announced at the World Schools Summit in the United Arab Emirates in November.
Times
4 days ago
- Times
Mother, Annabel Rook, fatally stabbed before gas explosion
A mother feared murdered inside her London house before a suspected gas explosion can be identified as a dedicated community worker. Annabel Rook, 46, was found fatally stabbed inside a house in Dumont Road, Stoke Newington, northeast London, just before 5am on Tuesday. Scotland Yard detectives are investigating after the mother of two suffered catastrophic stab wounds before the gas explosion rocked the affluent neighbourhood. She died at the scene. The Metropolitan Police said a 44-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of murder. LILY SHANAGHER/PA The man was taken to hospital to be treated for non life-threatening slash wounds. Two children, aged nine and seven, were taken to hospital but they were not believed to have been inside the property at the time of the explosion. Friends paid tribute to Rook, who co-founded Mamasuze, an arts project for vulnerable people including women and children who are survivors of forced displacement and gender-based violence. 'Theatre for social change really works,' she recently wrote online. 'I have been working with marginalised and displaced people for over 20 years. 'I believe the ability to play and create should be a fundamental human right and in my work I aim to enable people to be creative and help them find their voice. 'We build a strong community through offering diverse workshops in different art forms that nurture creativity, foster social connections and rebuild confidence and identity. 'Helping women to build a more positive future for themselves and their families.' Neighbours told of their shock after the explosion tore through the two-storey terraced house with a loud bang before the sound of glass shattering was heard. Halil Youdjel said: 'There's no chance you couldn't hear it. There was suddenly a bang and screaming and shouting. Then I looked out the window and saw glass everywhere.' Another added: 'It woke me up at about 5am this morning. It sounded like something dropping. There was an impact and then rubble falling. I think I heard a faint voice too. 'It didn't sound like an explosion, more like a wall coming down.' Six fire engines and 40 firefighters were called to the two-storey terraced house shortly before 5am on Tuesday. Police and paramedics were also called to the property in the borough of Hackney. SWNS Residents described hearing a bang and the sound of glass shattering. One man, who did not wish to be named, said he heard a crash 'like somebody dropped a massive glass cabinet from a crane'. He added: 'I looked out and saw panes of glass on the floor. You could tell it wasn't a car window. Eventually, I noticed the beam on the bay window was missing and could see some mild smoke coming out of the back. There was a guy rushing around, very distraught. He went round the back.' A 76-year-old neighbour said: 'I was asleep upstairs and heard a sudden bang then I saw all the glass on the floor. I was worried. Everybody on the street came out in their pyjamas.' Another neighbour said: 'I'm pretty sure it was two bangs I heard. There was lots of glass shattering. I knew it wasn't a car crashing because it sounded like lots of glasses had been smashed.' Police and the London Fire Brigade are investigating the cause of the explosion, which was brought under control by firefighters in about 40 minutes. SWNS LILY SHANAGHER/PA A fire brigade spokesman said: 'Sadly, one woman was pronounced dead at the scene. One man was also found at the property suffering injuries.' Darren McTernan, the fire station commander, added: 'Motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area for most of this morning while investigations into the cause of this incident are carried out. There are road closures in place on Stoke Newington Church Street from the junction of the A10 to Defoe Road. Residents should also note that Kersley Road is completely shut at this time.'
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
I just want to help, says new 18-year-old councillor
A student who has been elected as a councillor in Lancaster, has told how he made the move out of a desire to make a difference to his community. Eighteen-year-old Wilson Colley will represent the Green Party in the city's John O'Gaunt ward, getting almost double the votes of his nearest rival in the recent elections. He said he joined the party after feeling "very disappointed with the performance of the main parties in government" who were not offering "any real hope of real change". "We're the only party offering a real alternative to austerity", said the first-year law and politics student at Lancaster University. He said: "I found myself doing work with the Greens in John O'Gaunt, particularly helping out in alley cleans and door knocking, asking about issues. "I found out that I really enjoyed this community work and I would like to do it in a more official capacity. "The opportunity came up that we needed a candidate, I stood and got chosen." Wilson, who credited his passion for politics down to his father's influence, continued: "Don't get me wrong it is laborious and at times dull, I don't think anyone on the council can deny that, but it is important so I feel like that justifies the time and effort put in. "I can't say that I will enjoy every aspect of the work - some of it will be gruelling and bureaucratic, but it is necessary and it needs to be done correctly. "By getting in, I can ensure that it is done in that manner." Beyond his current life as a student, Wilson says he has not thought too much about a long-term career in politics. "Ultimately, I want to help my community as best I can, he said. "I want to help advance the Green Party's agenda, so we will see how that leads me in the future." Young people in politics is of course not unheard of. Labour MP Sam Carling was just 22 when he won his seat last year in north-west Cambridgeshire, and Wilson believes young voices in politics is crucial. "There has been less participation amongst the youth, which is a very concerning thing," he said. "We feel the effects of current policy in the long term, whereas many of those in politics may not. "It is crucial that youth have a significant voice on government in every level." On his current to-do list, Wilson admits the issues will be typical of most city councillors. "We've got issues of littering, fly tipping and dog muck. Just standard stuff that we deal with," he said. "I believe politics on a community level is really where change can happen" However, he admits he is not quite yet done with the student life too. "Becoming a councillor has meant that I will sacrifice a fair amount of my spare time, but I'll be sure to make a little bit of time for the student lifestyle." he said. "Even if it is a bit calmer and more civilised". Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer. Labour 'reeling from shock' of losing councillors Sam Carling: Meet the new youngest MP, born in 2002 Reform UK announce new leader of county council
BBC News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
I just want to help Lancaster, says new 18-year-old councillor
A student who has been elected as a councillor in Lancaster, has told how he made the move out of a desire to make a difference to his Wilson Colley will represent the Green Party in the city's John O'Gaunt ward, getting almost double the votes of his nearest rival in the recent said he joined the party after feeling "very disappointed with the performance of the main parties in government" who were not offering "any real hope of real change"."We're the only party offering a real alternative to austerity", said the first-year law and politics student at Lancaster University. He said: "I found myself doing work with the Greens in John O'Gaunt, particularly helping out in alley cleans and door knocking, asking about issues."I found out that I really enjoyed this community work and I would like to do it in a more official capacity. "The opportunity came up that we needed a candidate, I stood and got chosen." 'Young people crucial' Wilson, who credited his passion for politics down to his father's influence, continued: "Don't get me wrong it is laborious and at times dull, I don't think anyone on the council can deny that, but it is important so I feel like that justifies the time and effort put in."I can't say that I will enjoy every aspect of the work - some of it will be gruelling and bureaucratic, but it is necessary and it needs to be done correctly. "By getting in, I can ensure that it is done in that manner."Beyond his current life as a student, Wilson says he has not thought too much about a long-term career in politics."Ultimately, I want to help my community as best I can, he said."I want to help advance the Green Party's agenda, so we will see how that leads me in the future."Young people in politics is of course not unheard of. Labour MP Sam Carling was just 22 when he won his seat last year in north-west Cambridgeshire, and Wilson believes young voices in politics is crucial. "There has been less participation amongst the youth, which is a very concerning thing," he said."We feel the effects of current policy in the long term, whereas many of those in politics may not. "It is crucial that youth have a significant voice on government in every level."On his current to-do list, Wilson admits the issues will be typical of most city councillors. "We've got issues of littering, fly tipping and dog muck. Just standard stuff that we deal with," he said."I believe politics on a community level is really where change can happen"However, he admits he is not quite yet done with the student life too. "Becoming a councillor has meant that I will sacrifice a fair amount of my spare time, but I'll be sure to make a little bit of time for the student lifestyle." he said. "Even if it is a bit calmer and more civilised". Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
CTV News
14-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Timmins business owner honoured with city's Heart of Gold award
Timmins restaurateur Estela Chow received the Heart of Gold Award for decades of community work, including feeding those in need and founding local groups.
