Education & Skills

This initiative is in support of the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s ‘Project Hope’ campaign which was launched in conjunction with the NHS Trust to support the wellbeing of staff and patients by harnessing the goodwill of the local communities.

Business, groups and individuals donated food, refreshments, toiletries and even in some cases accommodation. The project focused on the wellbeing and mental health of NHS employees ensuring they know just how much they are appreciated. London South East Colleges’ students will be inviting the NHS staff to pre-register their interest in a selection of treatments at their preferred campus (either Greenwich or Bromley). Dr Sam Parrett OBE, Chief Executive and Group Principal said: “We know that it has been an extremely difficult time for NHS staff who have been under enormous amounts of pressure. We applaud the work the Royal Borough of Greenwich is currently doing to support them and we want to join the Authority in recognition of our NHS heroes by providing some much deserved ‘care for our carers’.

❛❛We know that it has been an extremely difficult time for NHS staff who have been under enormous amounts of pressure. We applaud the work the Royal Borough of Greenwich is currently doing to support them and we want to join the Authority in recognition of our NHS heroes by providing some much deserved ‘care for our carers.❜❜

London South East Colleges to give ‘care to the carers’ in support of Project Hope

London South East Colleges’ Hair and Beauty students will be supporting hardworking staff at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust by inviting them for a complimentary pampering session in the colleges’ salons.

“Throughout the pandemic we have worked to support our communities in ways beyond just providing education and training. Project Hope is a natural extension of our desire to continue working in partnership and have a positive impact on the lives those who live and work in our local communities. We are delighted and proud to support this fabulous action.” Fay Blackwood, Associate Director, Organisational Development, Equalities and Inclusion at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, says: “Staff have been under immense pressure throughout the pandemic and all worked tirelessly. Right now, it’s vital that we continue to show our appreciation and do all we can to help them look ahead with hope and optimism. Staff will be in real need of pampering in the coming months, so we are most grateful to London South East Colleges for making this fantastic offer.” Cllr Danny Thorpe, Leader of Royal Borough of Greenwich add: “It’s amazing to see such a variety of services being provided to our local hospital staff through Project Hope. In times when NHS staff are working so hard to take care of our community, this is a great way to give back and ensure they are supported too.”

• London South East Colleges has received national recognition at the prestigious TES FE Awards tonight, beating off stiff competition to win three accolades including Overall

FE Provider of the Year, Contribution to the Local Community and FE

College of the Year.

The TES’ annual FE awards celebrate the fantastic work being done in the Further Education sector. The College was shortlisted in three categories- including one for its SEND provision - alongside many other outstanding providers from around the country. The Contribution to the Local Community award recognises a college who has gone above and beyond to support its local communities, having significant social, economic or cultural impact. London South East Colleges was congratulated for setting up and leading the FE Foodbank Friday initiative during the pandemic last year. Over 30 colleges joined the campaign and collectively raised over £46,000 over 19,000 items for foodbanks across the country. The FE College of the Year award recognises a college with imagination and passion - which has resulted in excellent student outcomes, success rates and recruitment. London South East Colleges was praised for going above and beyond this year- from setting up a specialist SEND hub during the pandemic, to its excellent work with employers and support of Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust to support the Covid-19 vaccine rollout with its workforce development programme. This diverse work ensured that the College stood out among a competitive field – and resulted in the organisation also being presented with the Overall FE Provider of the Year award. The TES judging panel commented: “London South East College is doing superb work across a whole range of areas: community, employers, and equality, diversity and inclusion. “The College has been a sector leader on a number of issues and, particularly in the past 18 months, it has done some amazing things. LSEC thoroughly deserves this award.” Group Principal and CEO of London South East Colleges, Dr Sam Parrett OBE, says: “We are all absolutely delighted to win these three awards - especially Overall FE Provider of the Year, which is a huge honour. It’s been an incredibly tough year for staff and students alike, but everyone has gone the extra mile and it’s wonderful to get recognition for such hard work. “I am extremely proud of our entire college community, particularly the way in which staff throughout the organisation have come together to support one another and ensure that students have been able to achieve, progress and reach their full potential. “Every single member of our staff has shined brightly this year, as the stars we know they all are - reflecting and leading with the values and behaviours we uphold in both our college and in the sector as a whole. “Our college operates as a social enterprise, adding genuine social value to our communities. From our Foodbank Friday campaign to our relationships with employers, local authorities and other education providers – we are working hard in our role as an anchor institution and look forward to developing this further in the coming years. “Huge congratulations to every winning and shortlisted college tonight - there is such talent in FE and it is fantastic to celebrate our collective achievements in this way. I am hugely proud to be part of our sector and know that moving forward we will all continue to make a positive difference to our communities.”