Students at Kirklees College are to help children and families at a Huddersfield hospice and develop their own skills and experience at the same time.

The move has come about as a result of a new partnership between the college and the Brackenhall-based Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice.

College principal and chief executive Palvinder Singh met hospice chief executive Gareth Pierce at an event last year.

Gareth invited Palvinder to come and see the facilities at Russell House, and Palvinder invited Gareth, family support team leader Stacey John and fundraiser Kelly Dungworth for a tour of Kirklees College’s Huddersfield Centre.

Gareth said: “When we walked around Kirklees College and saw the amazing facilities, we kept seeing brilliant opportunities for our children and their families.

“Whether that be pamper sessions with the hair and beauty students, fine dining in their Landings restaurant, art for wellbeing activities or the chance to experience a simulated aircraft flight in their aircraft cabin simulator, Kirklees College has a lot to offer.

 

Gareth Pierce (left) and Palvinder Singh

 

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Kirklees College students to the hospice and our shops for placements, apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities.

“In some cases that may be working directly with children and families but there’s a huge amount goes on here behind the scenes too. Our events, marketing and fundraising teams are all great places for Kirklees College students to get industry experience.

“There are lots of learning opportunities working in the grounds and around the facilities at Russell House, and our charity shops are a friendly place for students to learn about retail.”

Palvinder said: “I am delighted to be partnering with the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice. This partnership aligns to our values of kindness, unity and excellence and will allow us to continue to create opportunities and change lives for both our students and local residents.

“As two key community stakeholders, we are excited about how we can promote new ways of learning in Kirklees and make a difference to the lives of young people and their families.”