Fan the Flame of Hope - Summer Projects 2025

2025 has been a successful year for Ursuline Links, we have achieved so much in a short amount of time. This is all down to our motivated young people within our Ursuline Schools and the passion they have for the programme. 52 young people signed up to join the Ursuline Links programme represented by all 6 schools. The programme began in September where Sr Kathleen, Ursuline Links Chair of Trustees, visited each school to launch Ursuline Links, after this there was over 100 young people who showed interest in joining. Sr Kathleen worked with each group, motivating them with different projects as they approached Advent and Christmas. As of January, I stepped into role of Director and worked alongside Sr Kathleen as we developed each group. February started with getting all young people together for the Discipleship Day, where 70 young people attended. It was a wonderful day where young people had the opportunity to reflect on what discipleship means and how they can develop their understanding of what it is to be a disciple. Initial discussions took place about what the priorities were in their local communities and how they would like to serve. It was the opportunity for the whole group to share a lunch together, which was pizza and then get to know each other. The next time everyone was together was at the Retreat Day in June, where the theme was ‘Pilgrimage’ and ‘Hope’, in line with the Catholic Churches Jubilee year. The afternoon turned into celebration as Ursuline Links celebrated it’s 15-year anniversary. The Ursuline Sisters gathered, as well as many friends, and those who had been involved previously with Ursuline Links. Mass was celebrated by Fr Dan Mason which was followed by a catered lunch.  

Once the Retreat Day concluded, all thoughts turned to the summer projects. A Training Day, in July, was attended by every young person to support them as they went out into their projects; this focused on safeguarding, expectations, and key information on both summer camp and the social justice week.

St Ursula’s Projects:

St Ursula’s undertook their projects in June, due to the GCSE examinations. 2 students undertook the 2 days of projects, with the support of Alana the School Chaplain. Day 1 the young people volunteered at the Convent in Forest Gate. Sr Kathleen planned the day with various tasks including helping the sisters with their technology and phones, sorting in the library, and archiving documents. Day 2, saw them both take a trip over to the St Vincent’s Centre in Brixton, where they supported vulnerable adults with a sewing club. In the afternoon they help set up for the centre’s food and clothes bank, where the centre works with another organisation to help vulnerable women. The two days were a success for the St Ursula’s group, the students were an asset to St Ursula’s and Ursuline Links, this paved the way for the summer in which the larger cohort would take up their service projects.

The Summer Camp:

14 young people signed up for the summer camp, where they helped lead a group of 30 primary aged children aged between 7 and 11, over 5 days. The young people arrived every day on time, even though many of them had long journeys, sometimes over a couple of hours; however, they were always ready to take on the challenge. The days at the Summer Camp varied, with the young people leading sports, arts and crafts, talent shows, drama workshops and board games. One of the highlights of the week was the outing to Lambourne End Activity Centre in Essex, the children experienced life on a working farm, given an agricultural workshop, took part in an archery session, and finished with teambuilding exercises. Our feedback shows that the young people valued the experience of leading the children through the day and could see the impact this had on their lives. The young people worked hard at building relationships with the other young volunteers and the children looked up to them. They were all very responsible, mature, showed initiative, creative in their thinking, and took the lead at various points throughout the week. They volunteered with a can-do attitude and worked in a compassionate way. This was a fantastic way to begin the summer projects.

Social Justice Projects:

34 young people signed up to take part in the social justice week. Ursuline Links teamed up with 12 organisations across Essex, London – East, West and Central, and Kent. Young people volunteered at foodbanks, care homes, refugee centres, homelessness day projects, religious communities, and a children’s summer camp at Holy Island, Lindisfarne (a full list of all organisations can be found at the end of the report). Our young people served with passion; they showed empathy to each person they met and were compassionate to all. They led with integrity and stepped up in all situations. A number of stories have been shared at our reunion day about the various organisations and initiatives our young people volunteered at, with some of them returning to complete a second week.

Impact:

The impact that the programme has had on the young people is reflected in their feedback forms which we distributed at our Alumni Reunion Day. Below are some of the comments that were expressed:

“It changed the way I see things, like and understanding into the struggle of others”

“The programme made me feel as I’m part of a wider community”

“I have gained many skills and lasting relationships”

“The programme gave memories that I will cherish”

“The programme has been fun and meaningful, and I can see how my actions truly affect people”

“It made me view different people’s situations more openly and compassionately”.

“I feel more gratitude towards the things in my life that I used to feel as simple”.

Young people were asked to describe their experience in three words here are the most common:

Unforgettable, impactful, compassionate, eye-opening, spiritual, rewarding, community, uplifting, togetherness, serviam, commitment, enjoyable, worthwhile, joyful, fulfilling, exciting, inspiring, energetic, inviting, empowering, engaging, perfect, caring, thoughtful,

Chaperones and adult volunteers:

We were very lucky to have 13 adult chaperones support our social justice projects, without them all, the social justice week wouldn’t have been so smooth. We are very thankful to each of them for giving their time and supporting Ursuline Links in this way. Here are some of the comments we have received from our chaperones about what they enjoyed most about the summer projects:

“Watching the students gain in confidence and make a real difference”

“The activities, seeing the young leaders grow in confidence in their work with children”

“The enthusiasm of the young students”

“The varied programme of activities on offer and being encouraged to fully participate”

Organisations Ursuline Links worked with in 2025:

Chestnut Manor Care Home – Wanstead                          Don's Local Action Group - Wimbledon

Jesuit Refugee Service – JRS Wapping Minster Abbey - Minster, Kent

Redbridge Foodbank Ilford S.M.I.L.E Romford

St Austin and St Gregory Foodbank – Margate, Kent                                The Welcome Centre Ilford

St Vincent’s Brixton                                                                                                                       SVP Southend

Wimbledon Foodbank                                                                          The Morland Road Initiative - Ilford

Fatima Dar "How Ursuline Links shaped my life"

I want to share my journey of hope, service, and faith — how my experiences at Ursuline and with Ursuline Links have shaped who I am and the work I do today.

Starting at Ursuline Wimbledon in Year 7 was both exciting and overwhelming. That year, I began wearing the hijab for the first time, and I was the only visibly Muslim student in my year. I was stepping into a completely new environment, navigating the challenges of being different while also figuring out who I was becoming. I was given the opportunity not only to pray in the chapel but also to openly talk about my religion and taking that step helped me grow stronger in my faith and more confident in my identity. Even in a place where I initially felt very visible, I discovered that hope can flourish when you embrace who you are and find support in your community.

The idea of finding and nurturing light even in uncertainty is at the heart of the Churches Jubilee year of “Fan the Flame of Hope.” Pope Francis described this by saying, “We must find the flame of hope that has been given to us and help everyone to gain strength and certainty by looking into the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and a farsighted vision.” 

His words beautifully express the idea that even in uncertainty, we can find and nurture hope — a theme that resonates with my own journey of faith, service, and community.

⸻Ursuline Journey

Being an Ursuline student from Year 7 to Year 13 was a unique and formative experience. Even though it was a Catholic school, it never felt like my faith as a Muslim was a barrier. On the contrary, it gave me space to grow in my own beliefs, while also observing the community around me. I saw hope every day — in classmates helping each other, in teachers believing in every student, and in the general spirit of togetherness.

Even in a setting where I was different, I learned that hope can be found in connection, in shared goals, and in the little acts of kindness we extend to each other. These early experiences set the foundation for my next step: joining Ursuline Links.

Discovering Ursuline Links 

I first heard about Ursuline Links in Year 9, through a group of friends. I remember feeling excited and a little nervous. Our first meeting was in the RE-block, I still remember it, where we learned about the various programmes: summer camps, Christmas parties, and other community projects across the UK and abroad. 

It felt empowering to think, “I can do this — and I can do this with my friends.” That sense of shared purpose sparked confidence and the understanding that young people can make a real difference in their communities.

Summer Camp Experience

One of the most memorable experiences I had was helping to organize a residential summer camp for disadvantaged children in the East London community. For two summers, I worked alongside a team of volunteers to plan and run a full week of activities, from sports days and arts and crafts to day trips, ensuring the children had a safe, supportive, and fun environment. It wasn’t just about the activities — we also built a sense of community among the volunteers, sharing meals, having a barbecue, and even enjoying a trip to the cinema to watch Mamma Mia. Those moments of laughter, teamwork, and connection reminded me that hope and joy can flourish even in challenging circumstances, and that being present for others — listening, supporting, and caring — can leave a lasting impact.

Those moments taught me that hope truly thrives in community. The children showed me that even the smallest acts of service — offering a helping hand, listening attentively, or simply being present — can have a profound impact. During that camp, I saw the spirit of Serviam — “I will serve” — come to life in action, and it reminded me of similar principles in my own faith. In Islam, serving others is a key expression of faith and compassion. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.” Whether it’s volunteering at a summer camp, supporting someone in need, or contributing to a wider community, acts of service and kindness transcend faith and culture. They are universal ways we can nurture hope and make a real difference in the lives of others.

How Ursuline Links Shaped My Career 

Ursuline Links changed the way I see the world. Working with different communities opened my eyes to social inequalities and made me reflect on the privileges I often took for granted — having a good education, a loving home, in a safe environment and the freedom to wear my hijab with confidence. Seeing what others lacked made me realise that I wanted to use the opportunities I’ve been given to make a real difference in people’s lives.

After studying Social Sciences at King’s College London, I began my career at the children’s literacy charity Coram Beanstalk. In January 2025, I then joined Frontline — a charity that trains people to become social workers — where I currently work.

My role at Frontline is about supporting and guiding the next generation of social workers. I help them build confidence, navigate challenges, and understand how to make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve. Every day, I see hope come alive within the charity— in the determination of trainees stepping into difficult situations, in the relief of families receiving much-needed support, and in the ripple effect of compassionate action spreading through communities. These experiences have shown me that even small contributions, when guided by empathy and intention, can create lasting change.

Reflection on Serviam and the Ursuline Virtues – 

During my time at Ursuline, I noticed how deeply Serviam and the Ursuline Virtues were embedded in school life — being united in harmony, generosity, compassion, truth, being courageous and resilient, hopeful, and joyful. These values were not just words; they were reflected in the way students and staff interacted, in the care shown to one another, and in the community projects we participated in. Watching this in action made me reflect on similar principles in my own faith.

In Islam, serving others is a central expression of faith — whether it’s helping the needy, supporting your community, or acting with integrity and compassion. Seeing these values lived out at Ursuline reminded me that the desire to make a positive difference, to act with kindness, and to nurture hope is universal. It isn’t confined to any single religion; it’s part of what connects us as human beings. Whether through volunteering at summer camps, mentoring others, or simply offering support to those around us, the spirit of service and the power of hope can inspire everyone, transcending faith, background, or circumstance.

I think the Ursuline virtues and Serviam transcends the realms of religion but of what a good human being is and should be. And I think the same goes for Ursuline links, reflecting from my experience you can be of any faith or background and you’ll feel welcomed with open arms. The hard work and dedication that Sister Kathleen — and now our wonderful new Director, James — are putting into Ursuline Links is truly inspiring. Their leadership and vision are helping Ursuline Links grow and strengthen its impact. This short-term — or perhaps even long-term — commitment has the power to create lifelong change for the communities we’re helping. With the right mindset, clear intention, and genuine understanding of why you’re giving your time and effort to volunteer and support others, you can make a real difference. Anyone can.

Reflection on Hope

Hope isn’t always easy. Working in the charity sector, I see hardship and inequality daily. Global events like the ongoing genocide in Gaza does make hope feel fragile. Yet, the efforts of leaders like Pope Francis, reaching out to the Christian community in Gaza and advocating for peace and a ceasefire show that hope can be active — something that is expressed through solidarity, action, and care for others.

Hope is in coming together, across faiths and communities, to support each other. It’s in knowing that our efforts — small or large — can make a difference. That’s what I’ve seen in my work, in my community, and in the children I’ve supported: that hope can be nurtured when people act with intention, care, and compassion.

So, what does it mean to Fan the Flame of Hope? For me, it’s about serving others, nurturing our communities, and believing that our actions can make a difference. It’s about compassion, courage, and joy — values that transcend religion and remind us of our shared humanity.

As you go forward, I encourage you to find your own flame of hope, carry it with intention, and share it with the world. Serve with purpose, act with kindness, and remember that even the smallest acts can inspire others. Together, we can light up our communities, one act of hope at a time.

Thank you.

Mrs Doubtfire theatre trip, funded by our long term supporter The Jack Petchey Foundation

Isabelle Doves - Ursuline Academy Ilford

“I was overjoyed and really touched when I found out I had been nominated for the Jack Petchey achievement award. It was tough to decide what to spend the money on as there were so many possibilities but in discussion with some others we decided on a theatre trip. For some of the group, this would be the first time they had ever attended a West End musical and so it was amazing to be able to play a small part in that. Many thanks to Cleo for suggesting Mrs Doubtfire and helping us get such great seats. What an amazing show and a great opportunity.”

Faith from St. Angela's

“I just wanted to say a huge thank you to Cleo and Sr. Kathleen as I had such a good time on Tuesday evening at Mrs Doubtfire the musical. It was truly the first time I had not thought about a-levels and actually enjoyed something guilt free. The show was hilarious with such a great message. I would love to take my family to see it.”

Reunion Retreat Day

Spotlight on Keriane from St. Angela's, as she reflects on our Ursuline Links reunion retreat day!

The mini quizzes that we played were a great way to interact  with the others, as well as to learn new interests about people. There was a selection of volunteers from lots of different years and so it was good to meet new people and hear their experiences

My  favourite aspect of the session was writing down ways to make Ursuline links more inclusive and available to others in the future. Seeing everyone's creative ideas was both inspiring and exciting. I look forward to being involved for many years to come.

Hannah from Wimbledon reflects on her experience with Ursuline Links and of the reunion retreat day.

From the very beginning of my adventure with Ursuline Links, it has always been a joy and blessing to be involved with the them. Ursuline Links have provided me with valuable experiences & opened up beautiful doors in my life, like meeting new people. I also got the chance to be a volunteer & to create wholesome & heartwarming relationships with the kids, which I’ll truly never forget.

At the Reunion Retreat I was greeted with the same lovely character of team. It was a joy to re - kindle friendships & catch up with those I hadn’t seen in years! Even after a few years, I didn’t fail to be surrounded with Ursuline Links’ homey & loving atmosphere at the reunion.

I’ve made some of my most valuable memories through Ursuline Links & I cherish each opportunity I was given by the team.

A Volunteer Story- Ayomide Shangobiyi

I first volunteered for UL in 2019 and have never looked back. I feel that although I am giving up my free time every year, I get so much back from the experience. I have gained new skills such as patience, ways of dealing with people and learnt how to be more professional in my conduct.

I am currently studying psychosocial community work at University which is teaching me about why people react in certain ways and how to help them, and myself, in certain situations. I feel that what I am learning in the course content will also help me to contribute more to Links projects in the future and help me to be an even better volunteer. I am also our course rep which means I have leadership responsibilities and I feel that my volunteering experience at Ursuline Links prepared me for situations like this.

Ursuline Links allowed me to experience a lot of “firsts”. The day trip with the children was to a zoo and this was the first time I had ever been. This was my first experience of having a job and proper responsibilities and Ursuline links gave me the opportunity to experience different types of people and cultures.

I recently worked in a care home and realised I was drawing on my experience and skills from UL in the way that I spoke, carried myself and dealt with the residents.

One of the best things is that the Links family support each other and regularly keep in contact even if it is not face to face. I feel that I have made life long friends with people I would never have met outside of this experience.

I feel that a lot of the bonding happened late at night where we would play cards, have deep and meaningful chats and crochet in to the night. But then everybody would be up bright and early the next morning ready to begin our work again.

One of my favourite memories from my many years of volunteering was actually last year (day camp 2023) where one of the children who had additional needs decided he wanted to be my "friend" and sit next to me on the coach. It made me feel honoured as he specifically wanted me and trusted me  when he wasn't like that with many others. It is such a privilege to be a small part in these children's lives and feel you have made a tiny difference.

Career Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Ursuline Links as the Director to action the strategic direction for the charity’s future.  The ideal candidate will have a personal faith commitment and previous experience of working to motivate and inspire young people. This role will involve working with the Ursuline schools and other interested groups involved in Catholic youth ministry.  

 

Hours - 37.5 hours per week

Location – Forest Gate, London (flexibility for home working)

Contract - Permanent

Salary - £38,500 - £45,500 PA   

Annual Leave - 33 days holiday (pro rata) per year inclusive of bank holidays.

 

YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Develop further an exciting programme of service projects suitable for students aged 9-18+ 

  • Manage existing resources and prepare a budget for new equipment.

  • Ensure that the database information for Ursuline Links students is accurate and up to date.

  • Fundraise for projects as required.

  • Co-ordinate participation of UL students at third party events such as Flame.

  • Manage the website and social media.

  • Devise a plan of keeping contact with past student and arrange reunions.

  • The preparation of liturgical services and parent meetings as required.

  • Complete the annual reports for the Charity Commission.  

  • Regularly review all policies and guidelines.   

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO HAVE:

  • Education to degree level

  • Recent experience of working (for at least 2 years) with young people up to the age of 20, either as a teacher, chaplain or within a youth retreat centre.

  • Experience of presenting to large and small groups of adults and young people.  

  • Experience of delivering prayer and activity sessions for young people.

  • Ability to write Health and Safety Risk Assessments and understand safeguarding requirements for working with young people.

  • Awareness of Social Justice issues.

  • Strong IT skills.

 

HOW TO APPLY:

If you feel you have the relevant skills and experience to fulfil this role successfully, please apply in the first instance with your CV to officemanager@ursulines-ru.uk.   All suitable applicants will be sent the full job description and an application form to complete. If you have any further questions, please contact Elizabeth Durrant on 020 3422 0901.   

 

Closing Date 19th April 2024  

Interviews w/c 6th May 2024

What does the future hold for Ursuline Links?

Due to financial considerations, changes in personnel and the loss of Desenzano House as an available resource, Ursuline Links is now facing change.

Following the projects of Summer 2023, Ursuline Links entered a period of review; further evaluation and planning for the future. Most activities were suspended for the last academic year, whilst a rigorous research survey was conducted across the schools, including an online questionnaire and face to face interviews with students and senior staff.

The trustees have decided the direction of travel for Ursuline Links and are pleased to announce that from Autumn 2024, a full Ursuline Links programme will be available.

'Be The Change' Launch 2022

The ‘Be the Change’ Project is in response to the adverse impact of the pandemic on mental health and well-being of children and young people. This project will give young people real opportunities to re-engage with society and access opportunities that will promote self-esteem, build confidence, increase social skills and foster emotional wellbeing.

Young people in research surveys conducted in 2021 across 4 secondary schools evidenced a significant need to address the current low morale in young adults which has been caused by the Pandemic. In a ‘Private Reflection’ activity the young people were asked to articulate their views on the impact of COVID and Lockdown on their educational, social and emotional development. The results revealed that many young people still feel educationally disadvantaged, socially disconnected, frustrated and hanker after protest. Considering this current landscape, this project will give renewed impetus to the work of the charity by giving young people real opportunities to re-engage with society and to protest in a meaningful way via positive action and ‘Being the Change’ they wish to see in society.

The project was launched in 5 schools in October 2022 and has 80+ volunteer participants thus far which is a clear indication of the desire/need for this project.

Giving Something Back Launch

On 12th February 2020, Cleo Gammon represented Ursuline Links at the Jack Petchey Giving Something Back Launch. Our projects are enabled by grants such as these and we are grateful to the Jack Petchey Foundation, other organisations and our many friends and donors for their continued support. 

Discipleship Day

Discipleship-Day-3-crop.jpg

On Saturday 15th February, 30 year 12 students from our various Ursuline schools gathered at Desenzano House in Ilford for our 2020 Discipleship day.

Our day was co led by Jan and Peter who are CAFOD volunteers and Cleo. The purpose was to introduce the students to the idea of being called and why it was important that they answered that call.

None of us could have predicted how well the day went. Our students were a shining example to their schools and their Ursuline upbringing. Everyone was mixed up and put into random groups.  The  day started and ended with prayer; we had games, talks and activities.

Highlights included a delivery of delights from Subway to feed the hoards, special guest speakers who spoke passionately about why they continue to volunteer year after year and moving stories about the challenges of being a modern-day disciple.

This was a very special group of young women who, we hope, will stay in touch and maybe get their chance to volunteer after their exams are over. We are always blown away by the willingness, energy and wisdom of our volunteers and keep you all in our thoughts and prayers! St. Angela would be so proud.

Jack Petchey Leaders Award

On Tuesday 10th March, our Assistant Director Cleo Gammon was honoured to be presented with a Jack Petchey Leaders award at a ceremony which was held at the Kenneth More theatre in Ilford. It was a privilege to be there and witness so much good in our world. Young people as well as adult volunteers were recognised and celebrated for a variety of good works and service to the community. Each group of presentations were broken up by amazing performances from students and young adults which included Street dance, Tai Kwondo, a singer songwriter and an amazing performance of a Frank Sinatra classic.

To begin the ceremony those present heard an inspirational speech from Mark Richardson, a former British athlete, who encouraged everyone not to give up on their dreams.

This message is echoed in one of the Jack Petchey Foundation's slogans of "If you think you can, you can". It is important for young people as well as the young leaders and adults working with them to keep this message close to our hearts particularly when times get tough.

Staff and students of Ursuline Links look forward to the next ceremony when we can celebrate all the work of our young people.

We are 10 years old!

IMG_3433-new-orleans-2010.jpg

Yes, Ursuline Links began in January 2010. Our first project to New Orleans was in August that year.  Over the years more than 200 young people have volunteered on a variety of projects.

That first Ursuline Links group which headed out for New Orleans in summer 2010 had no idea how the little seed would grow. These last ten years have been filled with hard work, commitment, joy and friendship.  Although covid-19 stopped our planned celebrations we are not daunted.

The desire to give our young people opportunities to use their gifts and talents for others will continue with even greater enthusiasm.

Watch this space for an 11 year celebration in 2021! 

We look forward to seeing you.