Redwood Sixth Form are on the ball

Jordan Deegan, Sixth Form student, being presented with a cheque for £600 by Connor McElleron from Healey Care Ltd watched by Grand Ball co-ordinator Saj Bibi and Sue Taylor of Healey Care

Redwood Sixth Form are holding a ‘Grand Ball’ to celebrate the success of their students.

The ‘Grand Ball’ is held every three years and hence this is the third Grand Ball since the school opened in September 2007.

Saj Bibi, the Grand Ball co-ordinator, said: “The response we have had from the local business community is absolutely amazing. I sent out a letter back in late January and have had a great response with table sponsors.

“My main worry was, of course, being able to secure a main sponsor for the ball, as £600 is a lot of money but Healey Care Ltd took care of that.

“I remember receiving the phone call from Sue Taylor, who works for Healey Care Ltd, a well-established, privately owned company providing a comprehensive range of support services for adults with learning disabilities and some behaviour difficulties. Sue contacted me after one of her service users, an ex- Redwood student, mentioned the Ball to her and following discussions with the company’s service users and colleagues, they were willing to be our main sponsor. It was such a lovely gesture.”

All present and past staff, students and their families are invited to attend the ‘Grand Ball’ on Friday 20 May at the Rochdale Town Hall, with tickets costing £20 each. The evening will consist of a three course meal and entertainment for approximately 150 guests over the age of 16 years (no under 16s allowed).

A photographer will capture the guests’ on arrival and the pictures will be available to purchase should guests wish to. At the end of the night, the raffle will be drawn.

All proceeds from the ‘Grand Ball’ will go towards supporting extra-curricular and well-being activities of the Sixth Form students, who are currently on the Supported Internship pathway.

The Supported Internship students are based at Rochdale Infirmary; they are supported to gain job skills in the NHS, local authority, at the Town Hall and other local businesses.

The Interns develop employability skills and wherever possible gain paid employment or voluntary work when they graduate.

Saj said: “The Interns work really hard every day alongside various employers and deserve to receive a little help towards their extra-curricular and well-being activities.”

Redwood Sixth Form still needs a number of table sponsors and are hoping that other generous businesses will come forward and offer to support this great cause. If anyone would like to help by sponsoring a table, the cost is £40, or by donating a raffle prize, please contact Saj Bibi, Grand Ball Co-ordinator on 01706 751892 or email sajada.bibi@redwood-school.com

Redwood Sixth Form is also calling on all ex-students who would like to attend the event to contact Saj at the school. Tickets cost £20.