Local School Joins the ‘Herd’ for Southend Art Trail

October 25, 2022

A baby elephant from the Herd In The City art trail will soon be stomping over to Kingsdown School in Southend-on-Sea to be decorated.

The school, which provides specialist education to children aged 4 to 14 with severe learning difficulties and profound and multiple learning difficulties, has signed up to be part of the Learning Programme of Herd In The City, coming to the city in the summer of 2023 to raise money for Havens Hospices.

Many of the pupils at the Kingsdown School and their families benefit from the high-quality support and care provided by Little Havens, the only children’s hospice in Essex. It provides palliative nursing and supportive care to babies, children, and teenagers living with complex or incurable conditions.

Lisa Stroud, Deputy Head of Kingsdown School, says, “The support provided to our pupil’s parents through the Wellbeing Team at Little Havens is exceptional. They value the respite they offer, which enables their energy levels to be restored or time spent with their other children. They have time to relax knowing their children are well looked after, and thoroughly enjoy the activities and facilities on offer.

“Our pupils are already excited about the thought of receiving a baby elephant and raising money for Havens Hospices, giving something back to this remarkable place and to those they consider as their extended family.”

The learning programme, sponsored by Rickard Luckin, will provide children and young people an opportunity to experiment with different art forms, empowering them to take ownership and showcase their artwork to thousands of people, making art accessible to all.

Lisa adds, “Our pupils thrive when presented with opportunities to learn through creative learning activities. Herd in the City will showcase their creative talents whilst also enabling other areas of our curriculum to be expanded upon, such as thinking, social and physical skills, in particular, working collaboratively with each other.

“Unfortunately, we live in a world where many people find it difficult to see the abilities of individuals with learning disabilities. However, this is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of our amazing pupils’ talent, strength and potential to the local community whilst opening the minds of others.”

Despite the high demand, community projects, youth groups and schools still have the unforgettable opportunity to sign up for a baby elephant as part of The Herd In The City’s Learning Programme.

The cost of the baby elephant sculpture is £825+VAT, including installation and a Learning Resource Pack with plans, templates and activities based on the national curriculum. Schools and groups can either cover the cost or encourage the children or young people to fundraise.

Lauren Eagle-Allen, Learning Programme Lead at Havens Hospices, says, “As well as being an unforgettable event for all of those involved, Herd In The City will raise thousands of pounds for Havens Hospices, allowing us to provide free, specialist hospice care for local adults, children, and their families.”

The deadline for signing up for the Learning Programme is 5pm on the 25th of November 2022.

For further information about how to get involved, visit www.herdinthe.city or email miniherd@havenshospices.org.uk.