Shifnal school's sponsored silence raises more than £1,500 for charity supporting elderly people

Pupils at Shifnal Primary School conducted a big sponsored silence, raising £1,502 in total for MHA Communities, based at Seniors Hall in Shifnal.

MHA Communities provides activities and events for lonely older people. The organisation's scheme manager, Rachel Powell, has visited the school and discussed how lonely and quiet life can be for older people who are living alone.

She showed children what life would be like if they could not see the television, hear properly, had no visitors and lived in a world of silence.

Rachel said she hopes the sponsored silence can become an annual event and that more schools can get involved in the future.

Rachel said: "The connection with the Shifnal community is now growing and it is good that the school has supported us.

"I couldn't believe how much money they raised from the sponsored silence. It's a tremendous response, it was amazing.

"Next year we hope to have other schools involved so it will become a big event for us each year.

"The money will go towards facilitating the groups, events and activities."

The organisation currently offers a wide variety of services including social groups, dementia respite, meals, mini trip, falls prevention exercises, and assisted shopping.

Rachel added that the organisation is "always in need of volunteers to help with transporting members to and from groups and helping at the groups, whatever time you have to spare will be put to great use".

Shropshire residents can contact Rachel Powell from MHA Communities in Shifnal on 07935 202556.