Bury College Health and Social Care students give back this Christmas

Health and Social Care students at Bury College have come together this Christmas, focussing beyond the classroom and supporting families across the local community.

Through the Early Help Present Appeal, students helped ensure that children and families facing financial hardship would still experience the joy and comfort of Christmas, providing both gifts and essential items to those who need them most.

A collective effort to support local families

The appeal received an overwhelming response from students, with many donating multiple gifts and some contributing as many as twenty presents each. Donations included toys for children alongside everyday essentials such as hygiene products, socks, and toiletries, providing practical resources during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

The initiative was designed not only to support local families, but also to strengthen relationships with placement providers, showing appreciation for their continued support of Health and Social Care students.

To encourage the students to keep giving, a display board was set up in the Health and Digital building, where students received a sticker for every gift donated. The board quickly became a talking point across the department, sparking conversations and motivating even more students to get involved.

Learning compassion through action

For Health and Social Care student Olivia, the appeal reflected both her personal values and what she has learned through her course.

“I think the present appeal is very important to me as well as the college, as it’s giving back to families who are struggling and who also deserve a happy Christmas,” she said. “Being able to not only gift presents but also provide essentials like soap, socks and hygiene products can make a huge difference.”

“We learn about the impact stress has on people and how small acts of kindness can empower others. I truly believe this appeal will provide much-needed relief for struggling families, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

Spreading kindness this Christmas

Fellow students Malaika and Alabama also shared why they felt compelled to take part.

“We brought presents in to help children have a better Christmas, as even a small gift can make a big difference to their day,” they said. “We wanted to share joy and excitement during this time with those who need it most.”

“The gifts we brought encourage creativity, learning and fun, which are all key elements in children’s development. Knowing that our surprises might make their eyes light up made our hearts feel warm. Christmas is all about spreading kindness, and this was our way of adding some sparkle to their day.”