Students from Outwood Grange Academy in Wakefield are celebrating after being named the National Winners of the Outwood ‘Out There’ programme, after dedicating more than 200 hours to their communities last summer.

The winning team, ‘Helping Hands,’ was in the running for the title of National Winner after securing a ‘Gold’ award at the recent ‘Out There’ awards ceremony in Headingley, where they were recognised for their community action.

Aisha Jobe, Ruby Hartley, and Sophie Wilson, all in Year 8, were told of their win at the top of the O2 arena on Friday, February 13.

The Outwood ‘Out There’ initiative celebrates student changemakers across the Outwood Family of Schools who develop community projects to improve the lives of others in their local areas.

Aisha Jobe, Ruby Hartley, and Sophie Wilson, all in Year 8 at Outwood Grange Academy, were told of their win at the top of the O2 arena on Friday.

placeholder image — Aisha Jobe, Ruby Hartley, and Sophie Wilson, all in Year 8 at Outwood Grange Academy, were told of their win at the top of the O2 arena on Friday.

Each team can have up to four students, and there are six categories, each designed to address specific societal needs; build relationships, sustainability superstars, boost community wellbeing, build an inclusive community, make your community safer and innovate, recognising creative thinkers.

Scooping the ‘Gold’ in the ‘Make your community safer’ category, Helping Hands stood out for its proactive and multifaceted approach to social responsibility.

In response to an increase in homelessness across Wakefield, the Helping Hands team launched a targeted fundraising campaign to provide critical financial assistance to Wakefield Street Kitchen. Beyond fundraising, the students took a hands-on approach by supporting the distribution of essential food parcels to the city’s most vulnerable residents.

The judges were particularly impressed by the breadth of the team’s civic service, their project log books and presentation to the panel.

Julie Slater, chief executive principal at Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT), said: “Aisha, Ruby and Sophie have demonstrated a maturity beyond their years.

"The judges were impressed by the extent of their volunteering and their dedication to enhancing the lives of others throughout the summer holidays.

“They meticulously planned their volunteering and capitalised on every opportunity afforded to them.

"They have committed to continuing their volunteering because they have recognised the positive impact, not only on others, but on themselves- it has improved their own wellbeing.

"They were adamant that this work brought them so much pleasure and happiness. The girls should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved - we certainly are.”