It’s called Radio 2’s Big Bee Challenge – a brand new project, which will encourage our listeners to help create a better environment to support our bees and other pollinating insects. It is part of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, along with RHS

Around the UK, bees and other insects are in decline – with some in danger of extinction. That’s why we’re asking our younger listeners to get involved by designing their very own bee-friendly garden that will attract our precious little pollinators. The winning design will then be built at an NHS Trust site, which is used, by children and young people with mental health needs. How un-bee-lievable is that!

Children aged between 6 and 12 years old can enter this new competition, by designing a garden that bees, and the patients, families and staff of the NHS Trust, will love. Let your imaginations run wild, we can wait to see what you come up with! The winner will not only see their garden built and buzzing with bees at our special opening party this August, live on Radio 2 but they’ll also take home an illustration of their design and a box of goodies.

All the information you need to enter the competition is here on the BBC Radio 2 website. And if you need some inspiration to get started, learn more about what our bees need here and the RHS Campaign for School Gardening has some more fun activities and ideas to help too!

 

The new Children’s Commissioner for England, Rachel de Souza has written to say  “My job is to speak up for children in England, stand up for their rights, and make sure that the people in power listen to what children need and want.

It’s time to give something big back to young people like you after COVID — and we need your help to do it.

This is the largest ever survey of children and young people in England. We’ll use what you tell us to show the government what you think, and what children need to live happier lives.

This survey will only take you 5-10 minutes.”

Please encourage all children in your schools to take park in The Big Ask Campaign and complete the survey found at the link below

https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/thebigask/?utm_source=dynamics&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=tba-la-initial&msdynttrid=Ksx4dIv-wSodOqsL8wUW-caGBff4ASMhrLZPnz4sBOU

The Big Ask is a survey for children and young people aged 4–17 in England. We’ve split the survey into different age groups, so you can fill in a version appropriate for your age. We’ve also made easy-read ‘accessible’ versions as well as a version for care leavers.

We won’t ask for your name, phone number or email, and we’ll keep what you tell us safe and private – it won’t be shared with anyone else. You don’t have to answer any question if you don’t want to.

As you know, throughout the pandemic, we have maintained a community foodbank providing much needed food parcels and welfare bundles for some of our most vulnerable families.

We are very honoured to have received a Mayor’s Award for valuable contribution within the borough’s community response to COVID-19.

 The staff team worked incredibly hard to make this happen.  Thank you to all of you who helped us by contributing via our donation station.

We continue to provide support for our families, working closely with the Legendary Community Club and our donation station remains open for any contributions you may be able to provide.  Together we can make a real difference to families in need.