Students and staff at Huddersfield New College have supported a charity which provides practical help for rough sleepers and vulnerably housed people.

As part of the college’s Christmas appeal, the college community collected much-needed items for One Big Family – Helping the Homeless.

The Huddersfield charity has volunteers out across Kirklees offering hot and cold drinks, food, snacks, clothing, underwear, hygiene items and sleeping bags to those in need.

Throughout December, the HNC community have been donating hygiene products, festive treats, non-perishable goods and hats, gloves and socks to create gift packs for people who need help.

One Big Family supports those currently in challenging circumstances, not just practically but also with difficulties they may be facing – such as accessing benefits or substance misuse services.

With many intending to progress into roles working with people, HNC’s Health and Social Care students were particularly inspired by the appeal and collected over 200 items as a group, and volunteered their time to pack and wrap around 30 boxes.

They also wrote individual Christmas cards to include in each pack.

The wider college community also fully got behind the appeal and over 100 complete gift packs and five sacks of spare items were picked up by the charity last week.

The college caterers Innovate Catering also provided a generous bulk donation of pasta, noodles, water, popcorn, tuna and sweets which will be used all year round.

Jayne from One Big Family said: “Thank you so much to all involved with the collection. The response has been overwhelming and will ensure that many people have a better Christmas than they may have otherwise done. It will also support people into the new year.”

College principal Marcus Smith-Connor said: “The response to the One Big Family appeals demonstrates our core college values of empathy and respect in action and demonstrates how, as a college, we want all students to explore how small acts of kindness and being empathetic to the issues in society collectively helps us to create a better future for both ourselves and others.

“Our entire community has got involved. From Student Council wrapping boxes and promoting the appeal, to the incredible effort by our Health and Social Care students and the generosity of our staff, I am really proud of how our college community is determined to work together to make a positive difference.”

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