Dunbar Grammar School
School roll of 1120 students.
Our pastoral work in schools sits alongside the professional input of other agencies such as CAHMS and MYPAS. There is a high demand for such services but the provision is limited and stretched. DACYP is well placed to offer early intervention with young people. Additionally, the long standing relationships between our Youth Worker, volunteers, young people and their families is helpful. DACYP can respond quickly to a young person in need and hold them over until they are able to access other support.
Underpinning this work and the motivation of our volunteers are the values of Christ's teaching about kindness, compassion and being non-judgemental.
Our Youth Worker is based in Dunbar Grammar School one day each week. His pastoral work in the high school includes the following:
Lad's Group
A weekly safe space for young men to talk about their feelings and get stuff off their chests. This is based on the model of Andys Man Club.
From one group initially, we now fascilitate three groups each week.
One-to-one support
Individual pastoral support to young people as needed.
Cup of Kindness
A special award has been created for Dunbar Grammar School to celebrate kindness and compassion for others. The prize is given on behalf of the local church and DACYP and is awarded in the context of a week of school assemblies by Richard and a local Minister.
Our Group
Following on from the success of the Lad's Group, a group for girls was run as a pilot programme.
This is now running weekly with leadership from one of the teachers and support from DACYP volunteers.
Residential Trip
Each year, Richard goes with the S3 cohort when they visit the WW1 Battlefields in Belgium and France.
With the theme of loss and suffering running through this poignant visit, it stirs some personal memories for the young people themselves. It is a journey that can change young people for the better, and Richard offers pastoral support at this pivotal time.