Friends of Sandside Lodge School

22/05/2026

📰| IN THE NEWS

The Heart of Ulverston Awards have been featured in the Westmorland Gazette, shining a light on the people and groups making a real difference across our community.

We’re especially proud to see Friends of Sandside highlighted following their win in the Community Group of the Year category, which we were honoured to sponsor.

A brilliant example of what passion and community spirit can achieve.

If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s well worth a read:
👉https://loom.ly/WrHQHkE

20/05/2026

16/05/2026

Congratulations Helen 🤩.

🎉 And the Teacher of the Year Goes To…

We’re delighted to announce that Helen Grice has been named Teacher of the Year at this year’s Heart of Ulverston Awards.

As headteacher of Sandside Lodge School, Helen has provided outstanding leadership, helping the school go from strength to strength. Her commitment extends well beyond the classroom, including driving forward major projects such as the development of an on-site café to give students valuable life skills.

Alongside this, Helen has led fundraising efforts to support both the school and wider community. Described by parents and colleagues as determined, enthusiastic and deeply committed, she is dedicated to shaping opportunities and positive futures for her students.

Congratulations to Helen Grice - a truly well-deserved win.

Also shortlisted were Nicola Walker and Lucy Bosson. Congratulations to you both.

Thank you to our category sponsor, Hornby Commercial Finance, for sponsoring this award.

16/05/2026

Thrilled to have received the Heart of Ulverston Awards for Community Group of the year. 🤩

Congratulations also to Ulverston Otters and Ulverston Food Project

🎉 And Community Group of the Year Goes To…

We’re delighted to announce that the Friends of Sandside Lodge School has been named Community Group of the Year at this year’s Heart of Ulverston Awards.

This group are on a mission to make a real difference for young people with learning disabilities, raising funds to create a community café at Sandside Lodge School.

By transforming an existing building, they are opening up valuable opportunities for students to gain work experience, build confidence and develop new skills.

That vision is now becoming a reality, with the space taking shape as a welcoming café for the community to enjoy.

Driven by passion and determination, the Friends of Sandside are creating opportunities that will have a lasting impact and it sounds like it’ll be a great spot for a cuppa and a slice of cake too.

We’d also like to recognise Ulverston Food Project and Ulverston Otters, who were shortlisted in this category

Thank you to our category sponsor, J F Hornby & Co, for sponsoring this award.

07/05/2026

We are incredibly proud to have played a part in helping this amazing project become a reality at Sandside Lodge School.

A huge thank you to everyone who supported through fundraising, donations and grant awards so far, your generosity has helped create such a valuable opportunity for the students.

Well done to all of the students and staff who have worked so hard to get the cafe project to this point. You should all be so proud of yourselves, the café has an exciting future ahead!

06/05/2026

We’re incredibly grateful to have received such a generous donation of £450 following a wonderful charity event held last month. 💛

A huge thank you to the amazing team at Bliss Pedispa in Barrow for choosing to support us.

Their ‘Sparkling Sunday’ event brought together 70 fantastic ladies for an afternoon of fun, including bingo and quizzes, all in support of two great causes.

We’re so touched that half of the funds raised have been donated to help support the development of our new lodge café for students. Your kindness and community spirit truly make a difference.

Thank you again to everyone involved, we really appreciate your support!

25/04/2026

We are honoured to have 3 finalists in this year's Heart of Ulverston Awards. Thank you for everything you do for the school and good luck at the celebratory winners event in May as you represent everyone at school.

🍎 Teacher of the Year – Finalists Announced. Congratulations to:
• Nicola Walker
• Helen Grice
The Teacher of the Year Award is sponsored by Hornby Commercial Finance and recognises educators who inspire, support and shape the next generation.

🌱 Community Group of the Year – Finalists Announced. Congratulations to:
• Friends of Sandside Lodge School
The Community Group of the Year Award is sponsored by J F Hornby & Co and celebrates groups that bring people together and make Ulverston a better place to live.

28/03/2026

So grateful for the nomination ❤️

🌱 Community Group of the Year – Finalists Announced

The Community Group of the Year Award is sponsored by J F Hornby & Co and celebrates groups that bring people together and make Ulverston a better place to live.

Congratulations to:
• Friends of Sandside Lodge School
• Ulverston Otters
• Ulverston Food Project

Each group plays a vital role in supporting the local community.

16/03/2026

My name is Dawn and I’m raising funds for two causes very close to my heart youthability youth services… Dawn Huitson needs your support for Dawns Bungee Jump