April 13, 2019 - 1363 views
The head of a Colwyn Bay primary school has made an impassioned plea for public support after budget cuts put an essential school service at risk.
James Wilkinson, Headmaster of St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Brackley Avenue took to social media to vent his frustration and begin a crowd funding appeal after money to pay for a Play Therapist looked likely to be under threat.
All across the country, budgets for vital services are being cut. At the same time, communities are becoming increasingly aware of a growing mental health crisis affecting our young people.
In St Joseph’s, over the last 3 years, the school has employed a Play Therapist, who carries out vital work in meeting the wide ranging and complex needs of many of the schools most vulnerable learners.
Mr. Wilkinson explained why this issue was so close to his heart and why he intends to raise sponsorship for his run at the London Marathon to lessen the impact of the cuts.
"This support has been vital for our school, for their families and most of all, for the young people themselves. As further cuts will be introduced in April it is highly likely that, without any other funding sources, this service will have to end."
"If this happens, children will no longer access the specialist help they need, to allow them to grow into happy, healthy and successful adults. This is wrong".
"On Sunday 28th April 2019, as Head teacher of St Joseph’s, I will be running the London Marathon to raise money to pay for this vital service. Please support my efforts so that our children can continue to receive the help they need".
To support James Wilkinson in his goal please visit his page on Just Giving.
