Nat shares this news from Ryde Academy.Ed
On Friday 6 May members of Ryde Academy’s “Geek Club” took their first foray into the world of fundraising for the mental health charity, Mind. Students and teachers were invited to take part in the quiz night where all the questions were based on the GCSE curriculum and served, not only as a fun night spent with friends, but also as an excellent opportunity to get some last minute revision done before the exams.
The winning team, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” were very excited to have beaten the teacher team by 11 points.
Almost £200 raised
There were also opportunities to buy refreshments bought and donated by the “Geekers”, and to take part in a raffle where all the prizes were donated by local businesses and members of the teaching staff.
The club would like to thank, in particular, the Southampton branch of Forbidden Planet, the Comic Loft in Southampton, and Boots and Crocus in Ryde.
In total, £189.90 was raised from the evening’s festivities and will be donated to Mind.
What’s the “Geek Club”?
At Ryde Academy, the “Geek Club” was initially formed to allow the students to have a forum where they can discuss popular culture and swap information about current films and TV programmes, and give advice about the latest computer games.
However, it has now expanded to around 30 students who come to socialise, play their favourite games, and share what they are most passionate about.
It is in “Geek Club” where children are able to find a group of like-minded students and organise events, such as trips to Comic Conventions and charity fund-raising activities.
Why MIND?
The students decided to raise money for Mind as they felt that it was a very worthwhile cause, especially as many in the group have experienced, through friends or family members, the difficulties and stigma that affect those who are suffering from a mental health problem.
According to Mind’s Website, every year one in four people will experience a mental health problem but is it estimated that only 25% of these sufferers will receive support each year. Due to the work that Mind does, millions more people have access to advice and support thanks to information and services delivered nationally and locally in England and Wales.
“For 70 years, Mind has been committed to making sure that everyone experiencing a mental health problem can access the support they need and is treated with the respect they deserve. Through public campaigns, influencing decision makers and the services our local Minds deliver in communities across England and Wales, we have touched millions of lives.”
More about MIND
Mind has a confidential information and support line, Mind Infoline, available on 0300 123 3393 (lines open 9am – 6pm, Monday – Friday). For more information about how you can donate money to MIND, please visit their Website.
Victoria Urquhart, Community Fundraising Coordinator, at Mind said:
“I would like to say a huge thank you to the members of Ryde Academy’s “Geek Club” for organising this fabulous quiz night and choosing to fundraise for Mind. Special congratulations to “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” team, for pipping their own teachers to the post with their winning score.
“Not only was everyone’s knowledge put to the test but the money raised will fund our vital work including the Mind Infoline, our advice services and the campaigning Mind does to secure a better deal for the one in four of us who experience a mental health problem every year.”
