Food, gifts and goodies collected by students will help 250 Burnley families hardest hit by the pandemic

The dedicated students, who are studying for a foundation degree in Health and Social Care (Mental Health Pathway), are helping to collect food, gifts and goodies to make up Christmas hampers.

The worthwhile project and community engagement forms an integral part of their studies and is being run in conjunction with the West End Community Centre which will oversee distribution of the hampers.

Due to the impact of Covid-19, there are more people than ever in need this year, with more than 250 families set to benefit from the charity efforts of the undergraduates who have been collecting donations from students and staff over several weeks.

Charlotte Hartley, who is curriculum manager in the School of Health and Wellbeing, said: "We’re incredibly proud of our undergraduates for making such a big impact on the lives of local people at this special time of the year.

"They have shown innovation, team work and determination and the experience of getting involved at the heart of this community project is invaluable to them going forward as they prepare for rewarding careers where they can really make a difference.

“This year has been very difficult for so many people due to Covid-19.

"Staff at West End Community Centre could not stage their usual fund-raising activities – and many individuals have been furloughed or lost their jobs – so the work of our undergraduates has been especially important to ensure children and families can have the magical Christmas they deserve."