As the team approach the end of their time on the course they have been tasked with a final challenge; to plan and carry out a challenging experience that helps others in their local community. They had the additional challenge of having to abide by strict covid measures.

As a team they had to identify various groups of people within the local area that they could support and who would benefit the most; they decided on babies and young parents. The them then had to brainstorm what support they could safely deliver, they wanted to create Christmas packs to provide to these young parents and children during a financially difficult and lonely time. With a support group in mind they faced the task of researching local centres that supported this group, they soon found The Purley Oaks Children Centre.

The Purley Oaks Centre were thrilled to have the Prince’s Trust students providing invaluable support to their service users. The students were kindly donated a sum of £100 by Carshalton College to provide these wonderful Christmas packs. The team went into Sutton and bought enough presents to fill 12 packs for the families supported at the centre. We then had the exciting task of delivering these packs to the centre, with covid measures firmly in their minds they contacted the staff at the centre and agreed to drop the packs securely and safely.

Whilst at the Centre the students were shown around briefly and the staff there explained what support and guidance they provide, the team were overwhelmed with the work that goes on at the centre. The Christmas packs will be going to 12 families of whom are single parents, most of them also do not have families to celebrate Christmas with – these packs will bring much joy and warmth to those who need it most.