College donates over £4,000 worth of supplies to support the homeless

Barnsley College has made a life-changing contribution to the local homeless and rough-sleeping community, collecting over £4,000 worth of essential supplies.

Staff and students joined forces to fill 27 rucksacks and numerous carrier bags with winter clothing, toiletries and food, all donated to the Rucksack Project, an initiative run by Barnsley Churches Drop-in Project.

According to official government figures from autumn 2024, an estimated 4,667 people, including children, were sleeping rough in England on a given night. The College’s outstanding community effort will provide vital supplies to local homeless individuals, helping them stay warm and safe through the challenging winter months.

Staff and students from a range of departments including; Business, Childcare and Health, Construction, Finance, Human Resources, Hair and Beauty, Leadership and Management, Safeguarding, Student Services and many others, came together to support the cause.

Peter Mulrooney, Chair of Barnsley Churches Drop-in, said: “People who are homeless, sleeping rough or sofa surfing rely on essentials such as rucksacks, clothing, food and other daily items to get by. These often wear out, become damaged or are stolen, so regular replacements are vital.

“The College’s generous donation means a great deal to us. It’s a clear sign that students and staff understand the challenges faced by people in Barnsley and are committed to supporting their community.”

Gavin Batty, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Barnsley College, added: “Thanks to the incredible generosity and support of our students and staff, we’ve surpassed last year’s total, increasing our donation from 22 to 27 rucksacks. This achievement reflects the strong community spirit within our College and the way our teams come together to make a difference.

“Everyone involved in collecting these donations should be proud, their efforts will have a genuine impact on people in our local community.”