University reaches out to the community at Christmas

Students and staff at Teesside University have shown some early Christmas spirit, by donating to two campaigns.

They have donated to Nightstop Teesside, which provides support for homeless young people aged 16 to 25, and the Mary Thompson Fund (MTF), a hardship fund for people seeking asylum and settled refugees.

The staff’s Nightstop donations were gifts and toiletries for the young people, to use throughout the year, with some of the bigger items to be passed on as gifts.

The MTF donations from staff and students included cash, food essentials, nappies and toiletries. The majority of the people supported by the MTF are in the UK legally, but are not allowed to work and cannot be removed to their home country for various legal reasons, and it is illegal for them to receive any public funding. The fund also supports people who have essential travel needs or are in some sort of general financial hardship.

Jayne Villiers, the University’s Volunteer Co-ordinator, said: 'It’s the fifth year we’ve run the Nightstop appeal and the first for MTF. I’m pleased to see that even during a recession the University’s staff and students have decided to help the community at Christmas.'

Sue Cotton, Nightstop’s Volunteer Co-ordinator, said: 'We’re constantly astounded and delighted by the donations from Teesside University. Sometimes the stay on Nightstop is the first time a young person has had a stable home environment. All young people receive a bag of toiletries containing toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap. This can ease the difficulty of being homeless. The Rev Andrew Howard, the University’s Chaplain, added: 'I’m very encouraged by the marvellous donations to the MTF. They show people’s generosity and kindness at this time of year and throughout the year.'

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