The City of Liverpool College will open its doors again on Wed 14th December to welcome vulnerable people living rough on the streets of Liverpool.
The visitors will enjoy a three-course Christmas dinner, free haircuts and donated food and clothing, and will also be offered free advice and guidance from external partners in the city.
The event, now in its sixth year, is organised by The City of Liverpool College’s Student Union and Student Engagement Team, in partnership with homeless charity, The Whitechapel Centre, and Mersey Care and supported by staff and student volunteers.
Students from across the college will take the lead at the event, from trainee Air Cabin crew serving meals, to professional cookery students leading on the catering.
Hair and beauty students will also be on hand to offer a range of treatments, including free haircuts from barbering students. The guests will be invited to take hot showers and will receive fresh underwear, toiletries and clothing, provided as donations from students, staff and volunteers. Each visitor will take away a hat, gloves and thermals to keep them warm during the searing winter months.
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 and 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 the students and volunteers willing to give up their time to give back to the local community and give the city’s homeless a much-needed boost.”