Social Care students at West and North Kent College came up with a wonderfully kind idea to support the people we care for this Christmas. 

Aware that many wouldn't be able to spend the Christmas period with their families and friends as usual this year, they wanted to do something to show that they were being thought of by others and to spread some festive cheer. 

The students and their tutors decided to put together 'Hug in a Bag' personalised gifts containing an assortment of specially chosen items, from hand-made presents to sweet treats. 

The gifts were delivered by a representative from the College last week and have been distributed to our services to be given to the residents on Christmas day. 

Deborah Alderman from West and North Kent College said: "We spoke to our Health and Social Care students about the loneliness some Care Home residents were experiencing due to a lack of visits from their families and friends this year. We came up with the 'Hug in a Bag' idea and our students were very keen to support this project. Some decided to complete more long-term activities (painting a picture, making a tactile board) whilst others have filled bags with lots of handmade goodies such as Christmas tree decorations, marmalade, fairy light bottles, decorations to decorate their rooms and tealight holders, as well as small items bought from the shops. The items were bought, made and wrapped in college and in their own time. A lot of thought went into it and everyone participated – hidden talents were found and explored."

We'd like to say a huge thank you to the students and tutors for this very kind and generous gesture - it means the world to us and after a very tough year has really lifted the spirits of our team and those we care for.