UCNL deliver mental health and wellbeing campaign, ‘Santa’s Suitcase’, in collaboration with both North and North East Lincolnshire Council

Continuing a yearly, festive tradition, the University Campus North Lincolnshire recently delivered another mental health and wellbeing campaign in support of the local community, as they partnered with both North and North East Lincolnshire Children’s Social Services and North Lincolnshire Council Family Hubs to launch the ‘Santa’s Suitcase’ initiative.

Donating a plethora of toys and gifts for children and young people in North Lincolnshire, students and staff met with council representatives at the campus to hand over a comprehensive collection.

Mental Health students were joined by Counselling and Health and Social Care students, who all worked together to make the campaign a resounding success.

Three in ten children in North Lincolnshire are currently living in poverty (*Office for National Statistics, 2023), and it was these figures which inspired both the students and staff of UCNL to try and make a positive difference to the families most in need this Christmas.

Sara Brown (Programme Lead for Mental Health and Wellbeing at UCNL) said: “We have been overwhelmed by the success of this campaign, which has been made possible by the kindness and generosity of our wonderful students.

“Their thoughtful gifts really will make a difference to the children, teens and families who are most in need this Christmas.”

Clare McCann (Children’s Social Worker from North East Lincolnshire Council) commented: “This is our third year coming to collect toys. It is overwhelming how kind people can be, and we cannot put into words how much of a difference this will make for the children and families we work with.

“Christmas is a difficult time for people of all walks of life, but to take some of the pressure off of parents following a few very difficult years, makes the world of difference. We are absolutely blown away with the amount of donations, and would like to say a huge, heartfelt, thank you to the UCNL and what they have done, and continue to do for us.”

Helen Keneally (Senior Family Hubs Worker from North Lincolnshire Council) added: “I would like to say a huge thank you to the students for the beautiful toys and gifts donated for the children and young people in North Lincolnshire.

“This will make a huge difference to many this Christmas time. Thank you for your kindness and care.”