A STAINDROP pupil’s concern about loneliness in the playground has sparked the creation of a buddy bench.
Emily Shepherd, who attends Staindrop Primary School, penned a touching letter to headteacher Steve Whelerton after finding a pupil alone during breaktime.
The 10-year-old suggested having a friendship bench installed on the playground which would be used by anyone who feels sad or doesn’t have anyone play with.
Mr Whelerton agreed to the idea and suggested to Emily that she should write to the local county councillors to see if they could offer any financial support.
In her letter the year five pupil explained how finding the boy on his own had made her feel “really sad”. She explained that it got her thinking about other children who might be lonely on the playground. After reading the letter, county councillors George Richardson and James Rowlandson were more than happy to donate a total of £400 from their members’ initiative funds.
Cllr Rowlandson said: “It is a great initiative especially when it came from a young pupil.” Cllr Richardson said: “We thought it was a lovely story. When I read the letter I had tears in my eyes. I rang the headteacher that day.
“If any other schools would like to follow on, we are quite happy to help them too.”
The councillors attended a special gathering to officially open the new buddy bench at the school. Emily said: “I think it is really good and I love the sign.”
A team of 14 buddies, from across the year groups, have also been voted in by their peers. If they see anyone sat on the bench during break times, their role is to befriend them. Mr Whelerton added: “We are thrilled about the generous donation from the councillors. We want to offer our thanks. The bench will benefit children in school now and in years to come. It is almost a bit of a legacy that Emily is going to leave behind when she leaves.
“Due to the importance we place on writing in school, it is nice that the children feel that they can use it for a purpose.
“Emily wrote to me first and the way she put her thoughts across was so moving. Her letter was so beautifully written. It was a wonderful and extremely thoughtful idea.”
