Foundation students at Reaseheath College and University Centre have raised over £400 for Mid Cheshire Mind – a contribution which will help the local mental health charity keep its vital phone support lines open.
The students, who are studying Entry Level 3 Skills for Life and Work or Career Development Pathway (CDP) at the Nantwich-based college, organised the fundraising as part of their Enterprise module.
As part of their project, students organised a popular Easter-themed cake raffle. The centrepiece – a beautifully decorated Easter Bunny cake – was created by Cath Pilsbury, Inclusion and Diversity Manager at the college, based on inspiration and ideas gathered by the students. The raffle raised £220 on the day, adding to the £180 they had already raised at Christmas through a student-run coffee shop and sales of handmade crochet gifts.
Reaseheath has a proud tradition of raising thousands of pounds annually for causes that make a real difference in the local community, and Mid Cheshire Mind is the college’s chosen RAG (Raising and Giving) charity for this academic year.
Dan Harrison, Community Fundraising Lead at Mid Cheshire Mind visited the campus to thank the students and draw the winning ticket.
He said: “This is a fantastic effort by everyone involved and we really appreciate this donation. The £400 raised by the students through these activities will help us keep our phone lines open for 80 more days.
“These lines are a lifeline for people struggling with their mental health, and without support like this, we simply wouldn’t be able to continue offering this service. What makes it even more special is that all the money raised stays right here in Cheshire, supporting our local community in places like Nantwich, Winsford and Crewe.”
Louise Badjie, Programme Leader for Foundation Learning, praised the students’ achievement: “Our students worked incredibly hard to plan, promote and run this event as part of their Enterprise module. They showed real creativity and teamwork throughout, and their enthusiasm for supporting a good cause was clear to see.
“We’re all very proud of the total they’ve raised – and even more so now we know what that money will achieve in terms of real, meaningful impact for people who need support.”