Place2Be attends the Together at Christmas carol service

10 December 2023

On Friday 8 December, Place2Be was delighted to attend the Together at Christmas carol service.

Place2Be colleagues with children and staff members from St. Johns Primary School. They are all standing around a red post box, outside the Westminster Abbey Shop.

Hosted by their Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Together at Christmas carol service took place in the wonderful Westminster Abbey.

The service was a time to thank and shine a spotlight on those who work to support children and young people across the UK. The concert celebrated the incredible role they play in raising children and shaping their future.

In attendance from Place2Be were:

Remi Burgher (Programme Coordinator for Mental Health Workforce)
Kate Armstrong-Taylor (Programme Leader for Mental Health Workforce)
Emma Starr (Programme Manager for Mental Health Workforce)
Carleen Kirk (Post Graduate Diploma – Tutor)
Ama Dankwa (Programme Leader - Therapeutic Counselling in Schools Level 4)
Kam Perera (School Project Manager, St John's Primary School).

Joining our colleagues were 11 pupils and their teachers from Place2Be partner school, St John’s Primary School in Bethnal Green. Earlier this year, the school welcomed and filmed with HRH The Princess of Wales to mark Children’s Mental Health Week 2023 and the launch of the Princess’ Shaping Us Campaign.

St John's Primary School pupils holding a candle in Westminster Abbey. The children are looking into the camera and smiling.

The service saw the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir perform festive carol favourites. Guests were also treated to musical performances by Beverley Knight, Adam Lambert, Jacob Collier, Freya Ridings and James Bay.

In 2013, Place2Be became one of the early charities to receive patronage from HRH The Princess of Wales. We have been delighted to introduce The Princess to pupils, families and staff at several Place2Be partner schools and to host her at special events, including our school leaders’ forum.

We had a lovely time meeting students and staff from St. Johns Primary School, including the Deputy Head Baljinder and School Project Manager Kam. It was an evening filled with song, togetherness and the added magic of Westminster Abbey being dressed in more festive wreaths and trees than we could count. Many of the children mentioned their favourite part was lighting the candles we all had on our seats. They also enjoyed being able to send the cards they’d made in the special post box just outside the Abbey for families and children across the country. It was a privilege being a part of spotlighting the support workers who dedicate themselves to the lives of babies, children and families in the UK. Emma Starr, Programme Manager for the Mental Health Workforce

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