RGS WE CARE

Pictured: Reigate resident, Michael, happy to receive his prescription delivery

2020 brought uncertainty and disruption, but also a huge outpouring of compassion and generosity. We launched the RGS We Care initiative – to galvanize help for those who need it. We reflect on how we, the Reigatian community, rose to the challenges that the pandemic presented.

In March 2020, when the seriousness of the virus really became evident, the Foundation team reviewed its plans and went into action. We wrote to those who were isolating and put out a request for volunteers and began coordinating a range of outreach projects. A programme of weekly email newsletters and phone calls began to help inform, inspire and support. We believe our community is stronger than ever and we were overwhelmed by the positive response.

We informed

We drew on the talents of our community to provide support and information:

• Coronavirus: an epidemiologist’s view: an expert Reigatian answered common questions

• Psychologist Joe Cheal (RGS 1980-1986) shared bespoke guidance on protecting your mental wellbeing in lockdown

• Morrisons Solicitors supported the business community with a Corporate Insights webinar

• Steam Wine Bar ran a quarantine quiz night

• From the front line: hospital ICU – Tom Kirschen (RGS 2002-2009)

• From the front line: GP surgery – Ketan Kansagra (RGS 1984-1992 and current parent)

• From the front line: care homes – Lucy Gillett (RGS friend)

• From the front line: Physiotherapist – Ellie Rowland (RGS 2002-2010)

• From the front line: medical graduate – Dan Beasley (RGS 2007-2014)

• Reigatians in action: we gave social shout outs to those Reigatians who were working on the front line through the pandemic

• In partnership with RGS parents Jo and Luke Gray, we offered a free online health programme

• With help from Reigatians, Martin Jacks (RGS 1986-1991) and Ed Luck (RGS 1984-1989), we provided a guide to creating a Covid-secure workplace (see p22)

• In November, Clinical Psychologist Siobhan Blackwell (current parent) shared some practical tips for looking after your mental health

One of our fabulous RGS volunteers, Louisa Marmalis (RGS 2005-2012) delivering a prescription

We provided practical support

• We stripped science labs, food tech and art rooms for gloves, aprons and goggles, which were sent to support NHS and other front-line staff

• Our Design Technology department made over 1,000 visors, which were delivered to 20 local healthcare organisations

• Our minibuses were registered with Reigate and Banstead volunteers distribution hub

• The Foundation team wrote to, and called, our older or vulnerable Reigatians, offering practical help

• With the support of volunteers, we coordinated the pick up and delivery of shopping, prescriptions and had cheques banked, for local Reigatians

• In partnership with Loveworks, RGS became a drop-off point for Foodbank donations in April and November

• We worked with local charity, Stripey Stork to collect donations of nappies and stationery for families affected by the pandemic

• And of course, the school has remained open for vulnerable students and the children of key workers

For the November Foodbank collection, Headmaster, Shaun Fenton, brought along a boot full of donations from parents who couldn't make it themselves

In June, we collected an incredible 2,693 nappies and 4,902 colouring pens, pencils and notepads for local charity, Stripey Stork

The Foodbank collection in April filled four RGS minibuses

The Design Technology department heroes: Mr Oates, Mr Alvarez and Mr Ward

We celebrated the talents of our community

• Just before the March 2020 lockdown, the Music department recorded a series of Plugged Unplugged performances

• Current Sixth Form students recorded a quarantine version of One Day More from Les Misérables

• We shared interviews with current and former sports men and women with the PE department’s Pilgrim Podcast series

• The RGS Drama department live-streamed past productions of Sweeney Todd, Abigail’s Party, Les Misérables and more

• Acapella singing group, Quintus recorded a special version of Somewhere oI’m Forever Blowing Bubbles

• RGS parent, Hari Ghotra showed us how to cook curries in her weekly online cook-along

RGS We Care – can we help?

At the time of writing, the Foundation team is working remotely, but we are still coordinating outreach projects wherever needed. If you know someone who might benefit from our support, please email rgswecare@reigategrammar.org or call 07535 799344.