George Heriot’s vision of ‘distributing chearfullie’ of generosity, of kindness and of support has enabled generations of children to benefit directly from the generosity of the Heriot’s Foundation, in fact over 5,500 children.
Heather Staines is the Foundation Coordinator at Heriot’s and is COSCA accredited supporter of bereaved children and young people since 2012 and has been on the Cruse Scotland children’s team since then. She has GTCS accreditation in supporting bereaved children and young people and was particularly passionate about taking on this role, due to her own father passing away when she was 7.
Heather meets all of the Foundationers at least twice a session, and met many of them remotely during the period of remote learning.
Heather’s role involves helping the Foundationers with learning – maybe giving help with homework generally or organisation.
A few of the Foundation pupils meet weekly for pastoral support, including bereavement support or sometimes support with self-esteem or worries and Heather also organises parental get togethers each term.
Citizenship is an important part of Heriot’s curriculum, with 3 lessons on loss and bereavement for the S2 year group which focuses on how to support a bereaved friend.
In 2015, the School launched its Foundation400 campaign, to secure the future of the Heriot’s Foundation in perpetuity. The target is to raise £15 million in line with the School’s 400 year anniversary. You can read more information here.
