At West Lancashire College, colleagues took part in the college's first-ever Give a Day. Delivered in partnership with West Lancashire Borough Council, the initiative brought together staff, businesses and community organisations to complete a range of projects designed to improve local spaces and strengthen community pride.
College teams volunteered on 11 projects across Skelmersdale and Ormskirk, supporting activities including painting, gardening, litter picking and environmental improvements. Projects ranged from painting a Dutch barn at a local primary school and improving a school pond to redecorating community spaces at Age Concern and The Liberty Centre. Teams also carried out improvement work across local neighbourhoods, helping to create cleaner, brighter and more welcoming environments for residents.
The day was supported by a wide range of employer partners and local businesses, 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 and TF Jones, demonstrating the power of collaboration between education, employers and the wider community.
Meanwhile, at Carlisle College, more than 150 colleagues took part in Give a Day to the City, delivering 15 projects across Carlisle. Teams rolled up their sleeves to paint, tidy, garden and build, coming together as a college community to make a positive difference across the city.
Across both colleges, colleagues demonstrated NCG's commitment to creating positive social impact and strengthening the communities they serve. Whether improving local facilities, enhancing green spaces or supporting community organisations, the initiatives showcased the difference that can be achieved when colleges, employer partners and local communities work together towards a shared goal.
By contributing their time, skills and enthusiasm, colleagues have helped create lasting improvements in their local areas while strengthening relationships with community and employer partners. The success of these initiatives highlights the important role colleges play as civic institutions and the impact that collective action can have in building stronger, more connected communities.