Staff and students offer festive help to those in need

Donations of toiletries, clothing and food from Teesside University staff will be used by three groups across Middlesbrough aiming to help those in need.

Staff and students from across the University provided welcome donations which have been passed on to three organisations helping people across the town. The collection was organised by the University’s Volun-tees scheme, which helps staff and students get involved in volunteering activities.

Tracey Gunn, from the Personal Support Network’s 12 days of Christmas project, based at the Southlands Centre, said: 'We’ve received lots of donations which will enable us to help offer support to so many families and the support has been fabulous.

'Our project will help those across the community, ranging from support to the homeless to taking gift bags to hostels for women and children and helping those who don’t meet the criteria for local food banks.'

Dimas Lopez, from Nightstop, based in the John Paul Centre, said: 'We offer emergency accommodation to young people and adults who would otherwise be spending time on the streets. This will help them to meet their primary needs. It’s really heartening to see so much support.'

Terry Doyle, from Positive Pathways out of Homelessness, also based at the John Paul Centre, added: 'We’re all working with different groups, but we have the same aims and it means a lot to be able to link up in this way, as it helps to ensure no-one slips through the net by working together.'

Jayne Golden, of Volun-tees, said: 'This is the ninth Christmas collection organised by Volun-tees and the support students and staff have given to help these organisations has been amazing.'

Jo Russell, from Middlesbrough Council’s public health team said: 'These are independent groups doing great work in the community and it’s really positive to see the support they’ve received.'

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