MilldownCE Academy

At Milldown CE Academy, we are partnering with The Bridge Youth Project by having a school chaplain who is with us every week on a Tuesday.

What is Chaplaincy?

Chaplaincy in a primary school, such as those supported by the Bridge Youth Project, plays a vital role in nurturing the spiritual, emotional, and social well-being of students. The Bridge Youth Project, based in Salisbury, has been enriching Wiltshire and Dorset schools since 1994 through spirituality, wellbeing, and advocacy.

A chaplain in a primary school serves as a pastoral presence, offering support and guidance to children, staff, and parents. Their responsibilities include:

• Emotional and Spiritual Support: Chaplains provide a listening ear and spiritual guidance, helping students navigate personal challenges and fostering a sense of hope and resilience.
• Opportunities for Worship: They organize and lead collective worship, prayer sessions, and special services, collaborating with our local church St. Peter and St. Paul.
• Community Outreach: Chaplains strengthen the school's connection with the wider community, including local churches, by coordinating activities such as fundraising events and community service projects.
• Educational Support: They may assist in teaching religious education, helping students explore and understand Christian faith and values.

The Bridge Youth Project emphasizes the importance of these roles in creating a supportive and inclusive school environment. By linking with St. Peter and St. Paul Church, our Chaplain Lyndsey, can further enrich the spiritual life of the school community, offering children and staff a deeper connection to their local faith community

Meet our Chaplain!

Hi, I’m Lyndsey D'Errico and I am Milldown Primary School’s Chaplain. This is a new role for me, and I am excited to develop chaplaincy at Milldown over the next few years. I work closely with Megan Bishop, the previous school chaplain, to ensure strong church school links such as supporting and preparing pupils for our regular church services at Blandford Parish Church.

One of my favorite things about being a chaplain is that it’s not like any other role for adults in school. It gives me a unique position for the children to get to know me, and they love the fact that they get to call me Lyndsey.

When I am not in school, I support at Blandford Forum Parish Church. If you see me on the street or at the school gate, please come and say hello. Alternatively, you can contact me by email: Lyndsey@bfpc.org.uk.

The Bridge Youth Project

The Bridge Youth Project is a Christian charity based in Salisbury, founded thirty years ago. Its work has taken various forms, however in the last few years its support has shifted to supporting schools by specialising in Chaplaincy in Education. As of January 2025, The Bridge supports over 25 primary and secondary schools throughout Wiltshire and Dorset.

You can find out more about The Bridge on their website and following the link below: