The City of Liverpool College hosts annual ‘Open House’ wellbeing event for homeless community before Christmas

The City of Liverpool College hosted its annual ‘Open House’ wellbeing event in partnership with Crisis Merseyside on Wednesday 17 December. 

The event, which is now in its tenth year, took place at the College’s Learning Exchange Centre in Roscoe Street. It gave students the opportunity to support the local homeless community by putting into practice the skills they have learnt on their programmes of study.

Students from the hairdressing, barbering, complementary therapies, cabin crew, health and social care, catering and music courses cooked and served a free Christmas lunch, offered haircuts and other treatments and provided live entertainment.

All guests were also given essential winter items, such as hats, scarves and gloves that were donated by the College’s staff, students and partners. More than 90 guests attended the event, with 15 hair treatments including cuts, styling and detangling being given and 25 hand, head and shoulder massage treatments. 

The City of Liverpool College encouraged the public and local businesses to join in their mission to support the homeless during this festive season. 

Elaine Bowker, Principal and Chief Executive of The City of Liverpool College, said:

“Now more than ever, our society needs to see more compassionate approaches to helping the most vulnerable in our communities. 

“This important, annual event is testament to the kindness and generosity of our College community as it comes together to support those less fortunate, especially over Christmas.

“We hope the event will continue to inspire others to take action and contribute to ending homelessness in our city.”

Figures from Crisis Merseyside indicate that 1,168 people experiencing homelessness attended the Skylight centre in the previous 12 months to access information, guidance and longer-term support. Working to both prevent and end homelessness, there were 408 tenancies secured over the same time period.

Sharron McGuinness, director of Crisis Skylight Merseyside, said:

“These tenancies will make an incredible difference to these people as they have their own home this Christmas.

“We are proud to have supported the Open House event, which not only offered immediate relief and assistance to the community, but also raises awareness of the pressing issue of homelessness.

“By showcasing the dedication and efforts of the College’s students, we hope the event will inspire others to take action and contribute to ending homelessness in our city and wider region.”