A CHURCH in Devon has been playing a key role in helping students at a local secondary school and their families to flourish through its heart for people and the community.

St Mary Magdalene Church, which is based in Chulmleigh, has built a good relationship with the local secondary school Chulmleigh Academy.

It started over a year ago when Elaine Cook, a Licensed Lay Minister (Reader) in the Little Dart Mission Community and from St Mary Magdalene Church, met with the headteacher and deputy headteacher at Chulmleigh Academy to find out how the local church could support the school.

Elaine said: “We had lots of conversations. As we got to know each other and built trust, out of that came three clear projects.”

One of the school’s biggest needs was for vulnerable students to receive additional support, therefore Elaine and the school set up a mentoring scheme.

St Mary Magdalene Church in Chulmleigh put together a team of 10 mentors, who provide week-by-week support to vulnerable students at Chulmleigh Academy.

This can include emotional support, such as talking through friendship issues, navigating difficult family and home situations, and helping them to build confidence and resilience.

Elaine describes the mentoring scheme acting as a “long-term commitment” to a student.

Elaine said: “We aren’t working with students to reach a target, we are dealing with youngsters for whom life is very difficult. Day by day, they are facing challenges. It’s quite a different type of mentoring, which makes it unique.”

Rachel Woods, Senior Teacher for Behaviour Standards and Safeguarding at Chulmleigh Academy, said: “Mentors can add a real sense of stability. It’s that anchor point to the week that’s important for the students.”

When setting up the mentoring scheme, Elaine was clear with the team of mentors that this would be a service to the school, children and the community.

She said, “Students sooner or later do ask us about our faith, and we will answer honestly.”

Rachel said: “The church has understood the needs and worldview of the children. Lots of our mentors will have been motivated by their faith to do this, but they know and respect boundaries.

“We feel such a joy to have the mentors in. They have been so responsive to need, they have been dynamic, and they’ve been flexible over what we’ve needed them to do.

“It goes beyond social and emotional stuff, it’s the practical care as well.”

The second project was ensuring that families who are struggling financially have access to food.

If the school alert the church of families who are struggling, Elaine will visit the food bank in South Molton to get food for them.

St Mary Magdalene Church also helps the wider Chulmleigh community if they are struggling to afford food and essentials.

They have a relationship with the Northern Devon Food Partnership, which is part of the anti-poverty and community food bank charity Trussell Trust.

The church also keeps emergency food in the rectory, so that anyone in the community can knock on the door and have access to food.

Another way that the church supports the school is by linking with the school’s second-hand uniform scheme. If there is a family who are struggling financially and need access to school uniform, the church will help to get students what they need. Elaine will also go shopping and provide other clothing if it is needed for a student.

Rachel said: “Our mentors are completely open hearted when they meet with people. Whoever they meet, they will be treated in the same way.”

Elaine said: “We are simply there to support people, because they are part of our community.

“It’s responding to a need and having a heart for people. For me, it’s a way of showing love and care for people.

“I’m simply there because I think it’s a good thing, and it’s the right thing. We need to care for the children and families in the next generations that are coming through, so that they have the best start. And it’s a lot of fun too!”

For churches who are looking to build their connection and relationship with their local school, Elaine recommends that it is important to have conversations with the school leadership team and find out what the needs of the school are.

Elaine added: “Don’t have any assumptions. Find out what they need and start to build that relationship with them. Build trust, and then you can move from there.”

Rachel said: “Every school has a different culture, and each school is very different. We are really grateful for Elaine and her team for learning about Chulmleigh Academy, and what our school needs.”