SUPPORTING THE STAGS ON THIS YEAR'S CHRISTMAS DELIVERY
Once again we have been working with Mansfield Town's Stacey Ward to produce over 40 Christmas stockings for looked-after children in local schools. This year Stacey was accompanied by the Youth team and their coaching staff who took time to join in games of dodgeball at two of the schools. This year's collection was supported by a significant contribution by the Stags 1st team players. We know that there will be over 40 very grateful young people this Christmas because of their efforts.
CHRISTMAS ARRIVES AT LANDMARK
A visit from Santa and his elves and opportunties to engage in a variety of crafts greeted local families at the Landmark Centre Christmas Festival on the 7th December. Charity manager, Ella McManus, created a relaxing environment for children and parents who engaged in a range of activities including letters to Santa, scratch art, tree decorations and icing gingerbread figures - while waiting for Santa.
The event was rounded off with an excellent performance by the Drama Cats performing arts group who sang a medley of Christmas songs that even had Santa and his elfs dancing at one point.
The event attracted a record attendance of over 60 families and was well received by parents who commented favourably on the format. which we shall use again for this event.
HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Donations to the Charity have helped to create some great opportunities during school holidays. From art classes to robotics and multi sports and visits to theme parks. Our aim is always to make the activities exciting and affordable. This year numbers have been boosted by additional daytime sessions being provided by Drama Cats performing arts group.
Whenever holidays come around it can be a challenging time for parents - even more so now, when the cost of activities is at an all time high. The Landmark Foundation has been fortunate to raise funds through the generosity of individual and corporate donors and the proceeds of successful golf days to enable us to subsidise a range of group activities to a nominal amount. We are now working towards increasing the range of activities available with significant partners to provide day long opportunties with meals included and further news will be available shortly.
NEWS ON HOW OUR
We have a group of children named the "Wellbeing Workers" who ensure that all chidren have support to develop their positive mental health and wellbeing. We look at ways we can develop the playtimes at school through games and activities whilst promoting positive mental health. The team hold a wellbeing lunchtime sessioneach week in which there are activities set out for children to access. The workers facilitate friendships, encourage children to play together and positive relationships are formed. On average the team, supported by 2 staff members, cater for approximately 50 children each Wednesday,
DONATIONS ARE BEING USED IN A NEW
Landmark Community Foundation have very kindly donated a wealth of resources including loom bands, craft supplies, card games and fidget toys as examples. These resources have enabled the team to invite even more children into the wellbeing space and facilitate more positive relationships. We hjave a great time in Wellbeing Wednesday.
The team would like to say a huge thank you to the Landmark Foundation for all the resources. Their support is very much appreciated. As I am sure you are aware, across the country, there are a record number of people who are having to turn to foodbanks and look for donations
WELLBEING GROUP
as we navigate our way through the current financial landscape. This is also the case in our community, so we have launched a Food Donation Box which is used to support our own families or provide supplies for local foodbanks. To link with this, we have acknowledged the need for toiletries and health products to help support families with hygene poverty. We have received donations from the Landmark Community Foundation to support us in the endeavour and the donations are greatly appreciated and will make a real difference in the local community.
Sally Harvey
Executive Inclusion Leader & Senior DSL
SUPPORTING THE EFFORTS OF SUTTON ROAD PRIMARY
Hearing about the great work Sutton Road Primary School were undertaking with their weekly food bank, we contacted them and asked how we could help. A week later, Trustee Brian Smith and volunteer Dylan Steele delivered a car load of toiletries and hygeine products to support them in their work. They went towards supporting 40+ families who benefit from this excellent initiative - thanks to the generous distributer who donated the items to our Charity.
Following a further delivery we were able to supply further food and drink just before Christmas - which went down very well!
HELP FOR LOCAL FOODBANKS
When we received pallets of drink, canned food, hygene products and other food products from a local distributer we made calls to local contacts to make them aware. We were amazed - perhaps saddened would be a better word - at the demand from local schools and independent foodbanks. Over the past 6 months we have been able to make regular donations to 3 local foodbanks - including The Pleasley Pantry co-ordinated by Clr Sharron Hartshorn - and four local schools. We were able to make substantial contributions to each organisation to meet the concerning need for this type of assistance. Information fed back indicated we were able to help support over 100 families with up to 20 meals a week with the stocks. Our thanks to all who volunteered to make this happen.
BRINGING SOME CHRISTMAS CHEER TO THOSE LESS FORTUNATE
Following an approach by Stacey Ward, player liaison officer at the Mansfield Town football academy, we undertook a project to provide a Christmas surprise for children in care in local schools.
The Academy players from the U-10 squad, just down the road in Pleasley, put together enough presents to fill over 40 sacks. The Charity supported by topping up their efforts with toys we had donated.
Chairman Sean Ryan was accompanied by Stacey to deliver the sacks to local schools who nominated children to receive them. This was a fantastic effort by the players who worked quickly to provide for those they felt were less fortunate than themselves.