BOOST
Dear parents, carers and supporters
Happy New (School) Year from all of us at BOOST!
If you are joining DCHS this year, this letter will tell you a little about our charity and the difference we make for our school community. If you are returning, please read on to find out what we are looking forward to for 2023/24 and how you can get involved.
BOOST is a registered charity which exists to support student’s learning and wellbeing. We provide new opportunities, break down barriers to learning and enhance the learning environment in a way that would not be possible without charitable support. For example...
We provide a healthy breakfast snack every day for any student who needs a boost at the start of the day
We are supporting lunchtime clubs by providing resources and equipment to offer a wide range of experiences in the school lunch break
We have secured grant funding to provide confidential sexual health advice within school for any young person in need
We are helping to create an inclusive environment in the school community by celebrating diversity and supporting Pride Club
We bring exceptional cultural experiences into school which would not otherwise be accessible within our community
We are facilitating a range of activities which support student wellbeing and mental health. This includes counselling provision, staff training and targeted activities.
We are supporting individual students and families through the Discretionary Hardship Fund enabling more young people to access trips and other experiences
Find out more about our charity on our website boost-dchs.org
BOOST makes a difference by providing activities in school which would otherwise not be available. Much of what we do is focused around overcoming the challenges of growing up in England’s most rural county – whether that is providing access to opportunities and experiences, or helping with the cost of transport, or bringing services into school which are not available in the community.
This year, as well as continuing some of our established activities, we will also be launching some new initiatives. As part of our commitment to inspiring people to read anywhere and everywhere, we have purchased a new book vending machine which will enable books to become part of the rewards scheme in school and we will be keeping it stocked up with a wide range of book titles for all ages and interests. Thanks to recent donations we are going to be able to support some new music and arts activities – we will be sharing more news about this soon. We will be bringing Onatti Productions back into school to provide an interactive performance for French students and we have a special performance of Macbeth booked for later this term.
Keep an eye on our social media for regular updates about all our new projects and activities. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads and LinkedIn (@BoostDCHS).
You can help us make a difference...
Visit our Local Giving Page where you can choose to make a one-off donation or to give monthly. You can also choose to donate to our specific projects/appeals or make a general gift to our charity.
Play our School Lottery – tickets are just £1 a month with a cash prize every week plus the chance to win the £25,000 national jackpot. Every penny we raise from the lottery helps us to grow our charity and support more activities.
We are also looking for more volunteers and trustees. Could you help with our fundraising events? Do you have local networks that could help us raise our profile in the community? Would you be interested in giving your time and skills as a trustee. Sign up here to find out more.
We are looking forward to another fulfilling year, working in partnership with DCHS to help all our children reach their potential.
Best wishes
Katherine Williams
Chair, BOOST