Thanks to the generosity of Coleg Y Cymoedd catering staff and students, 170 people experiencing homelessness and residing in bed and breakfasts across the Rhondda Cynon Taf were gifted a Christmas dinner, desert, and care package.
The meals and care packages were funded by the Head of School for Vocational Access, The Aberdare Campus Office Team, and the Inner Wheel of Aberdare. and prepared by Coleg y Cymoedd and Delivered by the RCT Diversionary Activities and Engagement team.
The dinners were delivered alongside a Christmas cracker, napkin, a personalised card from Coleg y Cymoedd pupils and staff and care packages containing a toothbrush with mini toothpaste, comb, Shampoo/Conditioner, Shower Gel, mini soap, vanity Pack (cotton buds etc) and sanitary products for women.
The Diversionary Activities and Engagement project started in October 2023, where all colleges in the area were approached to support by providing some Christmas dinners for the people that the Diversionary team support. Benjamin Barnett of Coleg Y Cymoedd responded to this call and provided meals for people at the college restaurant, as well as toiletries, t-shirts, joggers, a £5 Greggs voucher and more. This year again, Benjamin reached out to say that he would like to do something similar and reach more people in need.
Sophie Scudamore, Rhondda Cynon Taf Diversionary Activities & Engagement Officer, said: “We are blown away by the generosity of Coleg Y Cymoedd and this kind gesture will go a long way in brightening the days of some of our most vulnerable residents.
“There are a lot of people we work with throughout Rhondda Cynon Taf who otherwise would not have a Christmas dinner without this generous donation from Colleg Y Cymoedd staff, students and doners. . It’s heartwarming to see how the community comes together to support those in need at this difficult time of year.”
The Diversionary team works with people experiencing homelessness in temporary and supported accommodations. They provide meaningful activities in the community and in-house at accommodation. The team offer training and employment support and opportunities to build confidence and self-esteem through various activities. People have also been provided with gym passes from Leisure for life to promote health and wellbeing.
Benjamin Barnett, Lecturer in Hospitality and Catering at Coleg y Cymoedd, said: “Being able to help so many people with the support and organisation of the Diversionary team meant to the world to us.
“I would especially like to thank Dorian, the Head of School for Vocational Access, who very kindly funded this project, and without Dorian, The Aberdare Campus Office Team and the Inner Wheel of Aberdare, we wouldn't have been able to even start this project.
“Thank you all, truly, from myself, Natasha and our learners for allowing and facilitating us to help so many this year.”
Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said: “We can’t thank the staff and pupils at Coleg y Cymoedd enough for their generosity at this time of year. Both the Diversionary team and Coleg y Cymoedd have shown true community spirit and togetherness by supporting some of our most vulnerable in the community, who have received a beautifully prepared two course meal and care package this Christmas, which will no doubt make a real difference to them.”
As a Council, we ask the public to remain supportive and non-judgemental to those experiencing homelessness over Christmas and throughout the year.
Posted on 18/12/2024