Posted: 12/10/20
The gift of kindness for two Mansfield charities
Health and social care students at West Nottinghamshire College have been creating ways to support the more vulnerable members of their community.
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Tutor Kathryn Baker (centre) with some of her students and their hampers for The Beacon Project
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Just some of the food collected for the charity
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Longlasting products like cans of drink and tinned food will be used to create meals at the centre
Students on the Level 1 Award in the Introduction to Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Settings are currently working in two ‘bubbles’ to ensure safe distanced learning when in the classroom.
As part of their learner enrichment activities, the two bubbles wanted to get involved in a project to help local homeless people. Together with their tutor Kathryn Baker students put a request out to staff and students to help with donations of food, toiletries and clothing.
In just under two weeks the students had collected multiple boxes of food which includes tinned goods, pasta, drinks, toiletries, beans and crisps. In addition more than 80 items of clothing, some brand new, such as jeans, shoes, jumpers, socks and coats were collected.
Sian Davies, 16, who is studying in bubble one, said: “We really wanted to help the homeless as it’s getting close to winter and our thoughts turn to those who are living outdoors. Our bubble chose The Beacon Project to support and we’re so proud of how much we’ve got.”
The second group of students have another delivery planned soon after working on gathering food items with their learning enrichment and learning companies coach Eleanor O’Hara. This group will be donating to the Mansfield Soup Kitchen which is the second of the students’ charities to support this year.
Tutor Kathryn Baker said: “Our students have all done so well in getting this project off the ground. Every one of them has taken an active role. We hope to continue to support The Beacon Project and the Mansfield Soup Kitchen throughout winter to offer those in need a helping hand.”
Louisa Hillman, manager at The Beacon Project, based on St John Street, Mansfield, said: “It’s amazing to know that the college can still support us, especially during this difficult time. The students really listened to our needs and brought items that will really be appreciated. It’s a very generous donation and I’m proud of the students for thinking of others, when they themselves are facing challenging and uncertain times.
“Everyone who comes to us will benefit from the donations, whether it’s through the food and clothing parcels or the meals we serve through our takeaway service.”
