Bristol University staff will be completing a unique Community Challenge today, [Wednesday, June 1] at St Werburgh’s Primary School, James Street, Bristol.  

Thirty-two academic and support staff from across the University will be swapping their normal roles for those of painters and decorators to take part in a community project for pupils at St Werburgh's Primary School. 

A wide range of staff from across the University, including doctors and academics have volunteered their time to help rejuvenate the school's playground by designing, decorating and painting colorful murals and games for the one day challenge.

Bristol University is committed to supporting the city's social infrastructure and was the first University in the country to have implemented a staff volunteering day.  This allows one day’s paid leave per year for each of the University’s 5,300 members of staff.  In addition, over 800 students are involved in volunteering.

The challenge will take place from 8 am at St Werburgh’s Primary School, James Street, St Werburgh’s, Bristol. 

Kim Fitzgerald, the University’s Outreach Development Manager, said: “Its wonderful that so many people from different departments and sections across the University of Bristol have volunteered to ensure the children have a safe creative play area.  Playtime is an important part of a child's development so having an environment which supports and encourages positive social and learning skills is crucial to the well being of any child and their community."