Barking & Dagenham College Protective Services Students Raise Over £9,900 in 11th Annual Poppy Appeal

Protective Services students from Barking & Dagenham College have once again demonstrated their commitment to community service by taking part in their 11th annual Poppy Appeal, proudly supporting the Royal British Legion (RBL). This long‑standing tradition has become an important part of the College’s calendar, giving students the opportunity to honour veterans while developing essential skills for their future careers.

Across the week, students were stationed at Tesco stores in Elm Park, Hornchurch, and Rainham, where they set up beautifully presented fundraising stalls and engaged with members of the public. Their professionalism and enthusiasm were widely praised by shoppers, many of whom stopped to share personal stories about their own family connections to the Armed Forces. The experience allowed students to build confidence and develop practical skills in leadership, public speaking, time management, and teamwork — all vital for those aspiring to careers in the uniformed protective services.

Thanks to their dedication, the students raised an impressive £9,763.56 for the Royal British Legion through their stall collections alone.

Their involvement didn’t end there. On Remembrance Sunday, several Level 2 and Level 3 students volunteered at the Elm Park RBL event, assisting with marshalling duties and running an additional Poppy Appeal stall. Their efforts on the day raised a further £170, bringing the total to £9,933.56 – a remarkable achievement that reflects both their hard work and the generosity of the local community.

Level 3 student Eyshila De Carvalho‑Contreirad described the experience as transformative:

“This experience was fantastic. I really got to challenge myself because I don’t normally speak to people, but this gave me the opportunity to approach them. Some of the customers even shared stories about the war or explained why they support the cause — for example, because a brother or grandad served. It made me feel proud to help the charity.”

The College is immensely proud of the students’ contribution. Their involvement not only supports a vital national cause but also strengthens their understanding of public service, civic responsibility, and community engagement.

Gwen Edwards, Sport & Protective Services Curriculum Manager at Barking & Dagenham College, added:

“I am incredibly proud of our students for their hard work, dedication, and professionalism throughout the Poppy Appeal this year. The amount raised is outstanding, and it’s wonderful to see them supporting such a worthwhile cause while gaining skills that will serve them well in their future careers.”

The College looks forward to continuing this meaningful partnership with the Royal British Legion in the years ahead.