This week, more than one hundred of the city’s homeless people were treated to a three-course Christmas dinner, free haircuts, donated clothes and advice and guidance from external partners, supported by the staff, student volunteers, and Students’ Union.
The event was organised by the College’s Student Engagement Team in partnership with The Whitechapel Centre and Merseycare, along with students and volunteers, in response to the rising homeless population in Liverpool, after Shelter recently reported that there are over 200 people either rough sleeping or in temporary housing in the city centre alone.
Students from across the college were involved, from Air Cabin crew students serving meals, to professional cookery students leading the catering, beauty therapy students providing treatments and barbering students offering free haircuts. Guests were also presented with donations from students, staff and volunteers, and were each presented with a hat, gloves and thermals to keep them warm during the winter months, as well as being offered hot showers, fresh underwear and toiletries.
Elaine Bowker, Principal of The City of Liverpool College, said:
“Christmas isn’t a happy time of year for everyone and for some, it can be an incredibly difficult, lonely time. We hope that our ‘Open House’ event goes some way to giving these vulnerable people joy during the festive season.
“We know how powerful acts of kindness can be, which is why we always encourage our students to volunteer and take part in activities such as this to support those who are less fortunate, particularly during the festive season. We’re so grateful to all of the students and volunteers who gave up their time to give back to the local community and give the city’s homeless a much-needed boost.”
