WORCESTERSHIRE County Council’s Adult Learning service has helped bring a Redditch community together to support people who would otherwise spend Christmas alone.
Adult Learning Worcestershire recently carried out courses across the county called Community Projects.
These enabled local people to work together on gaining crucial skills that they could carry into their daily lives as well as enhancing their communities and supporting people in their area.
In one project, based at Willow Trees Community Centre in Church Hill, residents decided to create gifts for people who would be spending Christmas alone.
The local church, St Andrews hosts a Christmas Day dinner each year for people who live on their own, and those taking part in the community project wanted to ensure everyone at the dinner received a Christmas gift.
Nikki Stearman, Adult Learning Worcestershire partnership manager, said she was so proud of those who joined in.
“The main aims of our Community Projects are to bring learning opportunities into the heart of Worcestershire neighbourhoods, and to empower people to come together, learn new skills and work as a positive team.
“The team then decides on what they would like to do to aid local people and I am so proud of what everyone at Church Hill has done.
“They are giving people who may otherwise have no gifts to open on Christmas Day the gift of compassion.
“I cannot wait to see what other Project Teams do in the new year!”
Worcestershire County Councillor Marcus Hart, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Communities, said he was thrilled to see people coming together for a great cause.
“This project in Redditch, driven by a spirit of community and generosity will, I hope combat feelings of loneliness during the holiday season,” he said.
“I cannot wait to see what Adult Learning Worcestershire’s next Community Projects come up with.“
