Pupils gain insight and skills during inspiring residential trip to The Shewsy

Last week the Lower Sixth enjoyed a residential trip to The Shewsy, a youth club in Liverpool that we helped establish in 1903.

These residentials are a vital component of our outreach work, and our collaborative relationship with The Shewsy has endured and flourished over the years. Our pupils, accompanied by two dedicated staff members, embarked on this journey with enthusiasm and curiosity. From the moment they arrived, they were warmly welcomed by Vicki Parker, CEO of The Shewsy, and Senior Youth Worker John Dumbell. The itinerary included a variety of activities designed to broaden their perspectives on Medicine and showcase The Shewsy’s unwavering support for the local community.

One of the highlights of the first day was the first aid training session with Street Doctors, an award-winning national charity. Our pupils learned invaluable skills in handling emergency situations, such as what to do if someone is stabbed. This session was particularly informative and engaging, giving the pupils practical knowledge that is not only crucial for their personal development but also enhances their sense of responsibility and community awareness. The students also had the opportunity to engage with medical professionals, discuss health inequalities in Liverpool, and explore the facilities at the medical University of Liverpool. These experiences were both inspiring and educational, igniting a passion for Medicine in many of our pupils.

Our students also spent time at The Shewsy’s junior and senior clubs, interacting with local children and participating in various activities. These interactions were profoundly enriching, fostering a sense of empathy, teamwork, and cultural awareness.

It was excellent to hear that The Shewsy and Shrewsbury School bonded over a mutual appreciation of karaoke and it was lovely to see them all gather round and share in the experience!  One member of the trip noted how much they enjoyed hearing John’s stories and witnessing the real family that has been created in The Shewsy as an extension of his own family. It felt like a great privilege to be welcomed so enthusiastically and kindly into this community.

A pupil reflected: “John Dumbell talked us through his experiences at The Shewsy and the reasons why he works there. The children were really talkative and open-minded, and we played football, painted, and danced together. It was a truly eye-opening experience.”

Another highlight  for the group was speaking to Old Salopian Joe Rooney and seeing how much of an impact both The Shewsy and Shrewsbury have had on his life. It was lovely to see him speak so positively of both influences in his life and see how much of a role model he is to all at The Shewsy.

In summary, this trip was an invaluable opportunity for our pupils to gain practical skills, broaden their horizons, and develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by communities in Liverpool. We are immensely grateful to the staff at The Shewsy for their exceptional hospitality and for providing such a nurturing and stimulating environment. We look forward to continuing our partnership and are excited about our next visit in May.

Dr Richard Barrett

Shewsy Liaison