Students create packs for Barnsley’s homeless

A group of our students have collected packs of necessities to combat homelessness in Barnsley, a social issue chosen due to the students’ links with the issue.

The group of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students worked with The Youth Association over several weeks as part of their course enrichment project.

“I am so proud of how our students have taken ownership of this project and made such an effort to positively impact people’s lives.”

Homelessness is an issue which in general affects many ESOL students, leading the group to make donations to the Barnsley Rough Sleeper project.

Various tasks were completed as part of the drive against the issue including applying for funding, writing letters, budgeting, and creating a podcast; all the while creating valuable learning opportunities for the students.

The students had written personal letters to local businesses to gain donations for the packs which included t-shirts, waterproof coats, fleeces, joggers, gloves and beanies.

Kirsty Farmer, Tutorial Learning Mentor for the students, said: “Unfortunately homelessness has been experienced by students we have had in the department, so the issue is very close to our hearts.

“I am so proud of how our students have taken ownership of this project and made such an effort to positively impact people’s lives.

“I hope that their efforts will have made a difference, as well as teaching the students many valuable skills themselves.”

Rachael Pearson, Lead Youth Worker at The Youth Association, added: “I have been working with the ESOL students for the past few months and they identified a need for additional support for services working with homeless individuals in Barnsley.

“A number of ESOL students experience homelessness at some point during their life, and it was identified that these students didn’t know where to turn when needing support. As a result of this the group designed the social action project to help the homeless community within the local area.

“Overall, I have witnessed growth in the group’s communication skills and teamwork, and we have received positive feedback and appreciation from both the young people involved and the charity.”