Supporting our communities #LoveScotlandsColleges
During the Covid-19 pandemic colleges across Scotland pulled together to support their local communities in any way they could.
Across the sector colleges donated thousands of PPE, hospital beds, food for those in need and even offering their campuses as Covid testing centres.
Staff and students at West Lothian College did their part to support their communities. Hospitality lecturer Paul Holborn rode with Blood Bikes Scotland delivering urgent items for the NHS while health and social care lecturer Tracy Sharp returned to the NHS to assist with the pressures brought on by coronavirus.
Employer Engagement Officer Elaine Campbell signed up for community groups in her hometown of Linlithgow. She has been doing community outreach there, helping vulnerable groups to access essentials or to offer a friendly chat on the phone. Elaine also signed up with the Red Cross and Volunteer Scotland as well as donating £2,000, through her charity the PJ Foundation, to support families who have children in hospital due to covid-19.
The Estates team at the college donated over 100 face masks, 1,000 pairs of disposable gloves and 8 pairs of brand new safety goggles to front line services in West Lothian.
Professional Cookery student Aimee Latham put her skills to good use working 7am to 10pm at Social Bite helping homeless people to get food.
The pandemic brought our communities together supporting each other and this is something colleges will continue regardless of the situation. Colleges are invested in their communities as much as communities are in them.
If you’ve been helped by a college in your area we want to hear how and what it means to you. Tweet with #LoveScotlandsColleges and tell us all about your experience.