The First Give programme often begins with a simple but powerful question young people don’t often get asked: “What matters to you and what are you going to do about it?” Students are then invited to explore real social issues, meet charity representatives, and design creative, hands-on social action projects to make a tangible difference. Through research, planning, and activities, they develop a variety of skills, including empathy, resilience and confidence, culminating in a school Final where they present their work for the chance to secure a £1,000 grant for their chosen charity.
At John F Kennedy Catholic School in Hemel Hempstead, this question has been asked (and answered) for four consecutive years now. Supported enthusiastically by senior leaders and dedicated tutors, the First Give Programme has become embedded in the school’s culture and something Year 9 students eagerly anticipate. Each year has produced projects marked by creativity and compassion, but this year’s saw the scale, ambition and emotional impact reach new heights, demonstrating how the programme equips students to continue meaningful social action beyond Year 9.
Social action that continues beyond the programme
During the programme, Year 9 students explored issues including addiction, homelessness and missing persons, working closely with charities to design thoughtful and creative social action projects.
Several projects were intended to last beyond the end of the programme. Students supporting Druglink created the “Recovery Rocks” pathway, using decorated stones and bricks to map the recovery journey. The school plans to maintain the pathway as a permanent feature, allowing future students to reflect on recovery, resilience and hope.
Another group created a “What does home mean?” reflective display to support New Hope, keeping students’ voices visible after the project ended. Students working with Midshires Search and Rescue designed a duck-themed treasure hunt to represent missing persons. The project engaged the whole school and continues to have an impact, as the leftover ducks are now used daily to encourage a student experiencing severe anxiety to attend school.
These projects showed students that social action does not have to end when the programme finishes.
Students created permanent displays to raise awareness of social issues
Sustained impact on students and school culture
First Give has had a lasting effect on how students view their ability to make a difference. As one student shared:
“Even if we are young and may not be able to make a huge impact like others who are older, we can still do something, even something little that make a difference.”
The impact is also evident in how students continue their involvement. Year 11 students returned to support the class representing Druglink, despite not winning the grant when they originally took part. They shared reflections on their experiences and brought clothing donations collected independently, demonstrating a continued commitment to the cause.
The programme’s influence is deliberately extended through sixth form, with charities first chosen by Year 9 later becoming the focus of fundraising on JFK Day, ensuring continuity and sustained support.
Headteacher Mr Paul Neves explains:
“A great strength of the programme is that it gives students an early opportunity to become active in this area, which then continues into Sixth Form[…]. This creates a strong sense of continuity that begins in Year 9”
Impact beyond the school gates
The First Give Final further showed how student social action reaches beyond the school. An external judging panel, including David Taylor MP and the Mayor of Dacorum, demonstrated that students’ efforts are recognised at a civic level.
Reflecting on the event, David Taylor MP commented:
“The creativity and passion these students have for helping others shows that the future of Hemel Hempstead is in very capable hands. […]. It’s brilliant to see our schools empowering the next generation of change-makers.”
Debbie Bailey, Lead Teacher coordinating the programme, added:
“The profile of the project, due to having such an impressive panel of judges, has really raised local awareness of the school, the work of the students and the charities to the community beyond the school gates”.
The creativity and passion these students have for helping others shows that the future of Hemel Hempstead is in very capable hands.
David Taylor, MP for Hemel Hempstead
A growing legacy of social action
By embedding First Give for four years and maintaining involvement through sixth formers and alumni, John F Kennedy Catholic School has cultivated a culture where young people understand that their ideas, energy and commitment can genuinely change lives. The result is a legacy of social action that continues to grow stronger with each cohort.
By Gosia Pudelko-Kelly – First Give Facilitator Manager
The Final at JFK was featured in the Hemel Today- MP David Taylor joins Year 9 students at John F Kennedy Catholic School for inspiring First Give Final, awarding £1,000 grant to local charity Druglink.