St John’s and Marlborough College students work together to support LINK

Students from St John’s and Marlborough College have joined forces to volunteer as part of the Marlborough and District LINK.  LINK offers a good neighbour service to local people who are in need either because they are elderly, disabled, single parents or perhaps are temporarily in need because of illness or injury. The students have made home visits to LINK clients, who have welcomed the chance to meet and talk with them. On 18^th June 2025, Year 12 students attended a special lunch at Marlborough College as a thank you for their support during the year.

Hugh de Saram, LINK’s Chair, said, “We have been very impressed with the commitment of the students. All of them have engaged enthusiastically with this activity, which has been readily appreciated by our clients. We are looking forward to working with a new group of students at the start of the next academic year.”

Jimmy Scragg, Deputy Head at Marlborough College, commented, “It was nice to see young people from St John’s and the College working side by side.  Thank you for stepping out of your comfort zone, I hope you have learnt plenty from it.”   He also gave thanks to the LINK Scheme for taking the time to deliver training to the student volunteers and for supporting them on the programme.

Mark Cooper from St Johns, said, “Volunteering with the community for such a worthy charity not only allows the students to help those in need, but it also provides them with valuable skills that they may not have necessarily learnt elsewhere.”  He continued that he was “proud of every student” and that they were “a credit to their school.” 

St John’s student, Anastasia, said, “I am incredibly grateful to LINK for the opportunity to volunteer with the good neighbour scheme. Over the course of 8 months, I regularly visited an older gentleman each week, engaging in conversations that not only allowed me to build a meaningful connection but also helped me to develop strong communication, empathy and active listening skills – qualities that I will carry forward in both my personal and professional life.” 

Amelia, from Marlborough College Lower Sixth, said, “Visiting Marion has been such a great experience. Her positive outlook on life has given me so much inspiration to enjoy every day. I would definitely recommend this activity.”

This is the second year that St John’s and Marlborough have worked alongside each other with the LINK Scheme and both schools are looking forward to continuing their relationship next year on this scheme.

If you would like more information regarding the Marlborough and District Link Scheme, please visit their website here or call 01672 288 007.