News

When schools became severely impacted by COVID-19, we were determined to ensure that our ‘Hub in the Community’ at Govan High School would remain a supportive asset.

The project, which has been running for two years, positions a full time Hub Officer in Govan High School to deliver a wide variety of programmes and provide a constant, familiar point of contact for staff, pupils and their families.

There is a strategic focus to support Govan High in raising attainment, increase positive post school destinations, enhance transition links from primary to secondary school and create a universal impact in all areas and year groups within the school, to help expand the young people’s full potential through education.

But how do we do this, as we temporarily become #AFoundationFromHome?

Our Community Hub Officer, Scott, is still supporting some of Govan High’s most vulnerable pupils in what is a very challenging time.

Scott works closely with staff at Govan High as part of a ‘Next Steps’ team, responsible for supporting pupils into a positive destination upon leaving school.

As part of his day-to-day role, he would often meet with young people inside and outside of school on a weekly basis to provide employability support and discuss potential opportunities with them. He also provides a platform for young people to share any issues and is in regular contact with their families to offer support where possible.

Due to the current situation, Scott is taking part in the ‘Next Steps’ meetings remotely and discusses different issues with his colleagues from Govan High and Skills Development Scotland.

He is making weekly phone calls and emailing these young people to help boost their moral and keep updated on their wellbeing. As well as this, he is giving reassurance to young people about their opportunities on the back of the current situation.

Commenting on Scott’s new way of working, Depute Head Teacher at Govan High School, Sonja Kerr said: “Even in the current challenging situation arising as a result of Covid-19, as always Scott has still shown a tremendous level of commitment to the young people of Govan High. 

“As part of the Next Steps Team, Scott took part in the discussion around how we were going to support our most vulnerable young people during this challenging period. In order to facilitate this, Scott attends weekly remote team meetings to discuss his caseload, emails weekly updates, and phones both his current caseload and former pupils to check in with them regarding the wellbeing of themselves and their families, as well as continuing employability support. 

“Scott liaises with relevant staff members in order to secure the varying levels of support that our young people and families need, such as sourcing food parcels, food vouchers and more. 

“Scott has created an employability programme for some of our young people who cannot access training due to the present situation. Young people are therefore still benefitting from keeping their employability skills up to date by carrying out online tasks and completing a log book.”

We would like to say a special thank you to The Robertson Trust and Govan High School, whose funding and support make the Hub in the Community project possible. 

Earlier this week, we at the Foundation launched #AFoundationFromHome initiative, which aims to support people in fun and educational ways, whilst they are staying home and staying safe. You can find out more on this, here. 

Please note: the header images were taken in 2019.