A staggering 5,000 hours of support” is what Bishop Auckland College students and staff have celebrated during Community Action Week
Students and staff at Bishop Auckland College are celebrating the enormous benefits of their recent Community Action Week, having delivered an incredible 5,000 hours of community support in the build-up to the Easter weekend.
In a fantastic display of civic responsibility, 500 students and 100 staff members joined forces to transform local spaces, support vulnerable residents and raise vital funds.
The collective effort amounted to the equivalent of over 200 full days of continuous community action, leaving a lasting legacy across the region.
The sheer volume and variety of work carried out over the week highlighted the diverse talents of the college’s student body. Rather than focusing on a single project, the college spread its teams across the region to maximise impact.
Construction and decorating students put their practical skills to the test, carrying out vital interior and exterior repairs at Cockerton Hill Infants’ School, while also providing brickwork, painting and performing arts support for the Pioneering Care Partnership.
Elsewhere, Uniformed Public Services (UPS) students lent their muscle to Bridge Creative, helping the organisation move into their new offices by taking on painting and exterior jobs.
Green-fingered employability students completely prepared a new school wellbeing garden at Staindrop Academy. They were joined in their environmental efforts by teams carrying out extensive litter picks for the Big Spring Clean and the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
Joinery students even crafted new picnic benches for Binchester Fort at The Auckland Project, while the college’s finance team rolled up their sleeves for community gardening.
The college’s Health and Social Care, Early Years, and Hair and Beauty students provided much-needed compassion and care. They supported activities at Cornerstone’s hub and woodwork workshop and hosted dedicated pamper sessions for local residents at Middleton Hall Retirement Village, Age UK, Sandringham Care Home and Innovations.
Art students further brightened these spaces by creating beautiful murals for shared areas in the care homes, as well as crafting flowers for the Town Council’s Bishop in Bloom display.
The week was also packed with creative and fundraising initiatives.
Sociology and Criminology students packed bags at local Asda and Tesco stores to raise funds for Sisters of Support, while catering students ran ‘Get Creative’ workshops featuring focaccia art, Fabergé Easter eggs and spring flower chocolate cakes.
From photography students capturing the town’s Heritage Trail, to a community car wash, music sessions on Aycliffe Radio and an esports charity live stream, the college left no stone unturned in its mission to give back.
The community immediately felt the impact of the students’ dedication.
Andrew Graham, Business Manager at Cockerton Hill Infants’ School, said: “The quality of work, professionalism and effort shown has been outstanding.
“The students, in particular, have demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility -something especially important in our setting, where our children range from just 2-7 years old.
“A specific example that really stood out to us was their consistent attention to safeguarding. Some of the students have been working near a gate to our playground and accessing equipment stored in one of our sheds.
“Each time they passed through the gate, especially during busy breaktimes, they made sure it was properly closed behind them without any prompting from staff. This careful and proactive approach to safety has been greatly appreciated and has not gone unnoticed by our team.
“Their conduct reflects the high-quality teaching, preparation and expectations the college sets. It is clear that students are being exceptionally well-prepared for the realities and responsibilities of the working world.”
For the students, the week offered an opportunity to step outside the classroom and connect with their local area.
T-Level Health student Ellen Vasey said: “It’s been such a lovely day, I’ve really enjoyed myself! I’ve lived in Barnard Castle all my life, so I find it so nice to get out and about in Bishop Auckland and see how hard people work behind the scenes!
“Organisations like Cornerstone really do give you such a different perspective on how fortunate of a position you’re in!
“I absolutely know today being as amazing as it has been is absolutely down to the hard work and effort the staff have put in for us today, I really do appreciate it as I know taking that many students to a new place is quite daunting and difficult at times!
“But it’s been so lovely to be able to spend time with the staff today, it’s such a rarity to spend time with different faces outside of college and I just think it makes things like this so special!!’
Anne-Marie Chiswell, Assistant Principal at Bishop Auckland College, expressed immense pride in the collective achievement.
She said: “Community Action Week has been an incredibly impactful and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
“It has been inspiring to see staff and students from across the college come together, working collaboratively to support and give back to our local community.
“At Bishop Auckland College, we place great importance on our role within the community and are proud to contribute in meaningful ways. Initiatives like this not only provide valuable support to local organisations and residents, but also reflect our commitment to social responsibility.
“Engaging in community action is vital for our students’ personal and professional development. It enables them to build confidence, develop essential skills and gain a deeper understanding of the positive impact they can have. We are extremely proud of the contribution made this week and the difference it has created across the region.”
*For further information on opportunities check out bacoll.ac.uk
