The City of Liverpool College has found new ways to give back to the local community this Christmas

Students and staff at The City of Liverpool College have been finding ways of giving back to their local communities during the festive season.

Ordinarily, the College would host its annual event for the city’s homeless community, for which it opens its doors to those in need, treating them to a three-course Christmas dinner, free haircuts and donated clothing.

Unfortunately, this year’s restrictions and social distancing guidelines have meant that this event could not take place.

This year, The City of Liverpool College’s staff, student volunteers, and Students’ Union have worked with a number of charities and organisations to do all they can for those who need support at this time of year, despite restrictions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

One of the initiatives they have been working on is creating care packages and hampers for the city’s homeless community. Students and staff from across the College have been donating essential items such as toiletries and food, which are being delivered to the YMCA Liverpool and the Whitechapel Centre.

The College’s catering students have also been getting involved by making 100 Christmas food parcels for the homeless. The packages, which include festive treats such as Christmas dinner, mince pies and Christmas crackers, will be shared with fantastic charities such as the Salvation Army and Nugent, helping to support those in need over the festive period.

In addition to this, and to keeping the Christmas spirit alive at what even under normal circumstances is an incredibly difficult time for so many people, staff and students from across the College have been sharing personalised Christmas cards with messages of kindness for residents of local care homes. The College has seen an overwhelming response to this initiative, receiving over 300 cards for those who are not able to see their loved ones this Christmas.

Jane Austen, Learning & Development Officer at YMCA Liverpool & Sefton, said:

“In recent years we have been lucky to have worked in partnership with the students from The City of Liverpool College’s, barbering, beauty and hairdressing courses.

“The students have visited the service to provide haircuts and pamper sessions, as well as providing care packages and donations for our residents, many of whom are in poor physical and mental health and some lead chaotic lifestyles. This is invaluable to our residents, so it’s fantastic that this year, the College has found alternative ways of supporting those who need it most.

“I would like to thank staff and students at The City of Liverpool College who have been so kind and generous.”

Elaine Bowker, Principal at The City of Liverpool College, said:

“This year has brought with it many challenges and where ordinarily Christmas would be an incredibly exciting time for us all, this year things are different and we have had to find alternative ways of giving back and connecting with local charities.

“I’m so incredibly proud of all of the staff and students at the College who have come together to get creative and show their generosity for those who need it most in our communities. We know how powerful acts of kindness can be, which is why we always encourage our students and staff to volunteer and take part in activities such as this to support those who are less fortunate.

“Christmas is a time for giving, so we’re grateful to all of the staff, students, volunteers and organisations who have taken the time to give back as part of our local community and give everyone a much-needed boost.”

Visit the City of Liverpool College website here.