Eccles College has launched a heart-warming Christmas box initiative aimed at supporting lonely patients at Royal Bolton Hospital during the festive season.

The initiative has evolved through the Trust’s Volunteering programme and it’s strong collaboration between the Trust and Eccles College, creating opportunities for students to make a real difference in their community.

The project, led by Martin Wilcock, Work Experience and Employability Coordinator at Eccles College, encourages students to explore the broader aspects of social care, including mental health and emotional well-being.

Martin said:

This initiative was brought together to explore other aspects of social care and for the students to understand how they can help with loneliness at Christmas time.

“Why not bring a bit of Christmas cheer to patients who have to stay in hospital over Christmas and they may not have family within the region or no family at all! I’m really pleased with how the appeal has gone.

The program involves Health and Social Care students, guided by Katherine James, a teacher at Eccles College. Katherine explained that Level 1 students often seek opportunities to engage with the community, as they do not undertake formal placements. Activities like this provide valuable experience while supporting their coursework.

Katherine said:

These opportunities help towards work experience and also develop communication skills.

“Students are working on a communication unit, learning how to interact with service users and patients. This project not only enhances their employability but also deepens their understanding of patient needs and the healthcare environment.

Madison Parks, Level 1 student at Eccles College, said:

I just like knowing that I’m giving back to someone who probably wouldn’t get anything for Christmas. The shoeboxes are filled with essentials, things like body wash, nail files, word searches, small items that can make a big difference. It’s about letting patients know that people are thinking about them.

Through this initiative, Eccles College students are making a meaningful impact, bringing joy to those who need it most while gaining practical skills for their future careers in health and social care.