We’ve had the privilege of working alongside the incredible students from The Downs School who have shown how they can meaningfully help the homeless in Newbury.
The students choose to support Newbury Soup Kitchen after learning about the growing tragedy of homelessness across West Berkshire. What followed was a thoughtful, energetic and successful effort led by two groups: a dynamic team of 15 year-olds and an equally passionate group of 12 year-olds.
From the outset, what stood out was the students’ ability to organise, collaborate, and motivate those around them. Each fund raising initiative was carefully planned and enthusiastically delivered, with the wider school community quick to get behind their efforts.
After hearing from Meryl Praille, CEO of Newbury Soup Kitchen, explained that on most days over 200 Pot Noodles are distributed. The younger team focused on this need.
Jenna one of the key players in this team told us “We introduced the challenge in our assembly. We explained that we wanted to be able to donate as many Pot Noodles as possible to the soup kitchen and created competition across the year group. Our target was 200 which we smashed and ended up collecting 267 (mostly chicken and mushroom) Pot Noodles!”
Both groups organised a series of fundraising events that brought energy and excitement to the school: from cake sales and sweet shops to cinema-style popcorn stands and even a sponsored walk. Together, their efforts raised an impressive £1383, an amount the Foundation was proud to match pound for pound to deliver a final total of £2855.
Speaking about the impact of the grant, Meryl shared just how vital this support will be over the coming months. The funding will provide essential equipment, including hot water pump flasks and insulated soup containers, as well as covering food supplies for two months. These resources are crucial in enabling the charity to safely serve hot meals both at their regular sessions and through mobile outreach to those unable to attend in person.
She continued “At a time when demand for support continues to rise and with fuel and food poverty at critical levels this contribution couldn’t come at a more important moment. It ensures that hundreds of people each month can continue to receive not just food and drink, but also care, dignity and human connection.”
One individual supported by the Soup Kitchen shared her thoughts:
“When others turned their back on me, the Soup Kitchen never did. They showed me kindness, care and support when I needed it most. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
This project is about far more than fundraising totals. It’s about real, measurable impact: meals served, essential supplies distributed, advice given and lives touched. Every action, no matter how small contributes to something much bigger.
Once again, the students at The Downs School have demonstrated what can be achieved with compassion, teamwork, and determination. We can’t wait to see which local cause a new group of students will embrace.