West Lancashire College colleagues got to work volunteering across the community last week, as it launched the first-ever ‘Give a Day’.
Held on Tuesday 8th July and delivered in partnership with West Lancashire Borough Council, the initiative brought together college staff, businesses and community organisations to complete a series of projects designed to improve local spaces and strengthen community pride.
College staff volunteered on 11 projects throughout Skelmersdale and Ormskirk, supporting activities including painting, gardening, litter picking and general environmental improvements. Projects included painting a Dutch barn at a local primary school, creating and improving a school pond, and redecorating lounge and foyer areas at Age Concern and The Liberty Centre. Teams also carried out improvement work across Digmoor, Little Digmoor, Birch Green, Tanhouse and Ormskirk, helping to create cleaner, brighter and more welcoming community spaces for local residents.
Dawn Hughes, the Events, Campaigns and School Liaison Manager at West Lancashire College said, "The idea for Give a Day came from seeing the impact of similar initiatives elsewhere and recognising the opportunity to create something that reflected the needs of our own communities here in West Lancashire. For me, it was particularly important because I'm passionate about improving our local area and helping to create a sense of pride in the places where our young people live and grow up. The response exceeded all our expectations, with staff, partners and volunteers working incredibly hard to make a visible difference across the borough. There was a real sense of community spirit throughout the day, and we're especially proud that it has led to new partnerships and a number of legacy projects that our students will continue to support in the new academic year."
The Give a Day programme is centred on community spirit, teamwork and collaboration, bringing people together to make a visible difference in the places where they live and work. The college worked closely with West Lancashire Borough Council and a wide range of local businesses and community partners to deliver the event.
Support was provided by organisations including Fairmac, Electric-Cal Ltd, Rossi Paloma Forrest Nurseries, The Secret Garden Glamping, Tawd Valley Developments, M&D Allyn, ASDA Skelmersdale, Essity, Solid Sheds, Keepmoat, Wates Group, TF Jones and many others. Refreshments and practical support were also provided by members of the local community throughout the day, highlighting the strong community spirit that exists across West Lancashire.
As a college rooted in its community, West Lancashire College is committed to creating positive social impact and building strong local connections. The success of the first West Lancashire Give a Day demonstrates the difference that can be achieved when education, local government, businesses and communities work together towards a common goal.
The college hopes the initiative will become an important annual opportunity to support local communities and strengthen civic pride across the borough.