We actively encourage all our pupils to get involved in the many and varied fundraising activities for our chosen local, national and international charities.
Every two years, we select a number of charities to support and we get to know these charities well over a two-year partnership. We also raise funds for the Westbourne House Bursary Fund, which gives local children the chance to benefit from the unique educational experience at Westbourne House, irrespective of parental means.
As you can imagine, as well as making a positive impact on our chosen charities, there are rich rewards for our pupils, parents and staff as everyone pulls together to make a difference. Talks from our charities help the children to have a broader perspective on life, and we find that pupils increasingly step up to take the lead in organising events and coming up with ideas.
Every other year, a group of parents and staff form a charity committee that organises a large charity ball or party at the school. The Gatsby, our most recent ball, was phenomenally successful raising a staggering £68,000.
From September 2021 - 2023, Westbourne House is supporting:
- Chestnut Tree House which provides care for children and young people with life shortening conditions in Sussex and South East Hampshire.
- West Sussex Mind helping young people, adults, older adults, carers and families affected by mental health issues.
- Global Canopy are an innovative non-profit working to enable transformative change towards a global deforestation-free economy.
- Westbourne House Bursary Fund: for local children who have strong potential in academics, music or sport, but who otherwise wouldn't have access to a Westbourne House education.
During the years 2018 - 2021, Westbourne House supported Chichester Down Syndrome Support Group, Team UnLimbited and the Sausage Tree Charity. As a community we raised over £32,200, despite lockdowns and restrictions. We also supported people with dementia, local schools in need, and sent cards to older members of our community, who were lonely.
2016 - 2018, Westbourne House supported Winston’s Wish, Mary’s Meals, The Royal British Legion 14-18 legacy, Sussex Snowdrop Trust, Dementia Support and the Westbourne House Bursary Fund. The grand total over the two year period was in excess of a £130k and as a community we are extremely proud of this achievement.
