Member Article

College boxes up support for women's charity

A North East college has boxed up support for a women’s charity as part of its first shoe box appeal to help ease the strain over the Christmas season.

Redcar and Cleveland College students presented EVA (Emerging from Violence and Abuse) Women’s Aid & Rape Crisis with toiletry-filled shoeboxes to help support the charity over the Christmas period.

Following donations from students on various courses throughout the college, staff and North East businesses, the college’s health and social students presented the shoeboxes to the charity as part of their Level 1 Diploma in Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings after being tasked with supporting community initiatives in the region.

EVA, based in Redcar, provide a range of free, confidential and non-judgmental specialist support services for women and children who have been affected by any form of domestic and/or sexual abuse at any time in their lives.

Di Pearson, course leader and lecturer at Redcar & Cleveland College who helped to facilitate the appeal, said: “I’m delighted to present EVA with the shoeboxes donated by students, staff and local businesses as they do a sterling job in helping women in the region.

“I’m really proud of the students who were a wonderful example of how people can rally support to benefit the wider community.

“Christmas is an expensive time of year and often supplies such as toiletries can be overlooked but we hope the donated shoeboxes will help to ease the strain over the festive period.”

Rachel Chatto, young people’s trainer at EVA, said: “I’m delighted the charity has been nominated for the shoebox appeal and gladly accept these gifts on behalf of the women and children that use our services.

“Many women fleeing abusive relationships and/or sexual exploitation often leave with nothing except the clothes on their back. The additional stress of struggling financially is particularly accentuated over the Christmas period.

“The impact of abuse can have many far-reaching, long term effects; most survivors lack self-esteem and confidence and their trust has been broken. Donating the shoeboxes is an act of generosity that allows them to feel supported and valued; this helps to restore their faith in human kindness.”

For further information about Redcar & Cleveland College visit http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/ or please call 01642 473 132.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Redcar & Cleveland College .