Teacher Spotlight: Imogen, Headteacher of The Good Shepherd Primary School

At TimeGivers, we are fortunate to work alongside inspiring educators who share our belief that young people can be powerful agents of change. One such leader is Imogen, Headteacher of The Good Shepherd Primary School, whose commitment to service, community and character development has helped volunteering become an integral part of school life.

From the moment we first visited The Good Shepherd, it was clear that giving back is woven into the school's culture. As a Catholic school, its values are rooted in kindness, leadership and service. While students were already engaged in supporting international causes, Imogen recognised an opportunity to help children connect more deeply with their own local community.

When TimeGivers was introduced to the school in September 2024, Imogen immediately saw the potential and embraced opportunities for her students to make a difference closer to home.

Building Local Connections

Our partnership began with a simple but powerful idea: helping students engage with people and causes within their own community.

One of the school's first projects involved visiting a local care home, creating opportunities for children and older residents to spend time together, share experiences and build meaningful connections. From there, the relationship continued to flourish, becoming a much-loved part of school life.

In just a few months, TimeGivers had become so popular that students were actively requesting more clubs and volunteering opportunities.

Reflecting on how the partnership began, Imogen said:

"I first heard about TimeGivers through Serena, a parent at The Good Shepherd, back in September 2024. She's an Adult Volunteer with the charity and brought it to my attention."

A Game-Changer for Students and Staff

For Imogen, the impact of TimeGivers extends far beyond individual volunteering activities. She has seen first-hand how meaningful community experiences help children develop empathy, confidence and a stronger sense of social responsibility.

"TimeGivers has been a game-changer. The kids get to dive into volunteering - whether it's helping the homeless or spending time with elderly people in care homes - which builds their character and empathy in ways you can't teach from a textbook. They've seen first-hand how their faith can turn into something real and positive."

The partnership has also brought practical benefits for school staff.

"For our staff, TimeGivers takes the heavy lifting off our plates by setting up community connections and organising trips, letting teachers focus on teaching instead of logistics."

By connecting schools with local charities, community groups and volunteering opportunities, TimeGivers helps make meaningful social action accessible for both students and educators.

Helping Young People Grow

When asked why volunteering is so valuable for young people, Imogen highlighted the life skills and perspectives it helps develop.

"It's simple: it gives them a chance to step outside themselves. They learn compassion, responsibility and the value of giving back - skills and perspectives that stick with them far beyond the classroom."

Through volunteering, students encounter people they may never otherwise meet, helping them understand different experiences and build stronger connections within their communities.

"It's not just about doing good; it's about growing into better people. They get to connect with people they might never cross paths with otherwise, and that opens their eyes to the world in a way that's hard to replicate."

A Champion for Community

Imogen's support for TimeGivers has gone far beyond opening her school doors.

She was the first headteacher to invite TimeGivers into a staff meeting, encouraging teachers to explore how volunteering could enrich students' learning and personal development. She has also helped connect us with local leaders, schools and community organisations, enabling our work to reach even more young people.

Her commitment to service, both within The Good Shepherd and across the wider community, reflects everything TimeGivers stands for: empowering young people to build stronger, kinder and more connected communities.

We are incredibly grateful for Imogen's support, encouragement and belief in our mission, and we look forward to continuing our partnership for many years to come.

Discover More

This story was originally featured in our February 2025 newsletter. Read the full newsletter to discover more about the volunteering projects, school partnerships and community impact that made this month so special.

TimeGivers Teacher Spotlight: Imogen Lavelle, Headteacher of The Good Shepherd Primary School | February 2025