Charity Statement

   

 

The Gilberd School Charity Partnership Statement
We are proud to announce that The Gilberd School, Colchester has selected to support the following charities:

  • St. Helena Hospice 

  • Colchester Foodbank 

  • The Royal British Legion  

 

St. Helena Hospice

St. Helena Hospice provides invaluable support to individuals and families facing incurable illness and bereavement in our local community. By partnering with this exceptional organisation, we aim to raise awareness, funds, and community spirit through meaningful engagement.

To ensure maximum involvement from our school community, selected charity events will be linked directly to the school calendar, allowing students, staff, and parents to participate and contribute in a variety of ways throughout the academic year.

The Gilberd School is committed to the following events to support St. Helena Hospice:

  • Tree-Cycle - 9th - 12th January 2026 

  • Hero Run - 29th March 2026 (Colchester Sports Park)

  • London Marathon - 26th April 2026 (London)

  • Pier-to-Pier - 17th May 2026 (Clacton and Walton)

  • Colchester Community Fun Day - 1st August 2026 (Colchester, Mile End Sports Ground)

  • Harwich Half Marathon 10km - 4th October 2026 (Harwich)

  • Midnight Walk - TBC 2026 (Colchester)

Our student leadership team are working hard to develop charity events to raise awareness of the great work St. Helena Hospice does within our community and develop new ideas to increase student involvement to generate funds to support the Hospice. 

We look forward to working together to make a positive impact and support the vital work of St. Helena Hospice. 

What services does St. Helena Hospice Provide?
We provide individual care and total support wherever it is needed; at home, over the phone with our 24/7 advice line, and at the hospice.
We also help adults in north Essex to cope with grief following the death of a loved one, regardless of where or how they died.

We reach out to members of our community, helping them make their own choices and live with dignity. By focusing on their physical, emotional and spiritual needs, we aim to bring comfort and relief to all those who need it, offering the people of northeast Essex individual care and total support, regardless of their diagnosis or personal circumstances.

As a charity we rely heavily on the help and generosity of our fundraisers, donors and volunteers. Without them we wouldn’t be here.

October 2025

The Gilberd School Raises Over £2,500 for St. Helena Hospice

The Gilberd School has once again shown the power of community spirit, raising more than £2,500 for St. Helena Hospice in Colchester.
Through a series of student-led fundraising activities, including a bake sale and several non-uniform days, pupils and staff joined forces to support the hospice’s vital work. The events were met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with cakes selling out in record time and students eagerly embracing the chance to swap their uniforms for casual clothes—all in aid of a good cause. 
Representatives from St. Helena Hospice expressed their gratitude for the school’s commitment to supporting local people facing incurable illness and bereavement. The funds raised will help provide essential care, comfort, and support to patients and their families across North Essex.
A spokesperson for the hospice said: “We are truly thankful to The Gilberd School for their incredible generosity and hard work. Every pound raised helps us to be there for people at the most difficult times in their lives, and the support of young people in our community means so much.”
The impressive total raised highlights not only the generosity of the school community, but also the importance of young people in making a real difference locally.

 

December 2025 

Christmas Themed Non School Uniform Day - Gilberd School Spreads Festive Cheer While Supporting St. Helena Hospice 

At the end of the Autumn term, The Gilberd School community has once again demonstrated its generosity and commitment to making a difference. On Friday 19th December 2025, our students took part in a Christmas-themed non-uniform day, with donations going towards two important causes: Year 11 students will support their Summer Ball fund, while funds raised by Years 7–10 will be donated to St. Helena Hospice.
St. Helena Hospice provides vital care and support to individuals and families facing incurable illness and bereavement across North Essex. Every contribution helps ensure that patients receive comfort and dignity when they need it most. By taking part in this festive initiative, our students are not only celebrating the season but also helping to make a real difference in the lives of others.
Thank you to all parents, carers, and students for your continued generosity. Together, we are helping St Helena Hospice continue its invaluable work in our community.


January 2026

St. Helena Hospice Launches £10 Charity Challenge at Gilberd School Assemblies

We are excited to announce that St Helena Hospice, Colchester will be visiting The Gilberd School to deliver special assemblies aimed at kick-starting the £10 Charity Challenge. This inspiring initiative encourages every student to take a single pound and use their creativity and entrepreneurial skills to turn it into as much money as possible for St. Helena Hospice.

The challenge is designed to develop key skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication, and problem-solving, while supporting a cause that provides vital care and comfort to individuals and families facing incurable illness and bereavement across North Essex.

How it works:

  • Each participating student or team will receive £10

  • Use your imagination to grow that £10 - whether through bake sales, craft projects, or innovative ideas 

  • All funds raised will go directly to St. Helena Hospice to help them continue their invaluable work in our community

 

This exciting challenge not only supports a worthy cause but also helps students prepare for their next steps in education and employment by building practical skills in a fun and meaningful way.

Let’s show the power of Gilberd School’s community spirit and make a real difference together!

St. Helena Charity Calendar 2026 

  • Reg'- Givers Breakfast - TBC 2026 (Hospice)

  • Hero Run- 29th March 2026 

  • London Marathon - 26th April 2026 (London)

  • Colchester 10km - 10th May 2026 (Colchester)

  • Pier-to-Pier - 17th May 2026 (Clacton and Walton)

  • Roses in Remembrance - 13th June 2026 (Hospice)

  • Reg'-Givers Afternoon Tea - TBC 2026

  • Wine Walk - TBC 2026 (Dedham Vale)

  • Colchester Community Fun Day - 1st August 2026 (Colchester, Mile End Sports Ground)

  • Invasion Colchester - 5th September (Culver Square, Colchester City Centre)

  • Harwich Half Marathon 10km - 4th October 2026 (Harwich)

  • Midnight Walk - TBC 2026 (Colchester)

 

Colchester Foodbank

Colchester Foodbank, based at the Tollgate Retail Park, continues to play a vital role in our local community, operating in partnership with The Trussell Trust.

In 2024:
19,933 individuals were provided with a three-day emergency food & toiletries parcel, compared with 24,514 in 2023 - showing a modest decrease but still representing one of the highest levels of support in the region.
This marked a 25% increase in the number of people fed since 2022, underscoring the ongoing and growing need. Between April and September 2024 alone, 9,614 emergency parcels were distributed - the highest total of any individual area in Essex.
Behind these figures are families and individuals - many children, older people, and working families, who rely on this lifeline. The foodbank continues to provide dignity, support, and hope, helping people through crisis with compassion and practical aid.

How you can help:

  • All donations of tinned goods, long-life milk, tea, rice pudding, jam, powdered juice, and toiletries are particularly needed.

  • Financial contributions are equally valuable, enabling the foodbank to purchase items in bulk and respond flexibly to demand.

 

The Royal British Legion

At The Gilberd School, we are proud to support the Royal British Legion and their annual Poppy Appeal. This important campaign helps provide lifelong support to serving and ex-serving members of the Armed Forces and their families. Every poppy worn is a symbol of remembrance and hope for a peaceful future.

This year, our students and staff have shown incredible generosity by purchasing poppies and making donations. These contributions go directly towards funding vital services such as financial assistance, recovery programs, and community support for veterans.

The Royal British Legion has been at the heart of Remembrance for over 100 years, ensuring that the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces are never forgotten. By supporting the Poppy Appeal, we help continue this legacy of care and respect.

How you can help:

  • Wear your poppy with pride.

  • Encourage friends and family to donate.

  • Share the message of remembrance and gratitude.

Together, we can make a difference for those who have given so much for our country.