Festive Creations from Newcastle College's Foundation Students

Foundation Studies has transformed into Christmas HQ as learners have been busily creating special festive decorations to sell to raise money for a very important cause.

The hand-decorated Christmas ornaments include seasonal messages written in brail – a feature that was thought up by visually impaired learner Declan Rochelle-Peake who skilfully used his brailler writing machine to create unique qualities to include on the decorations, making them truly special.

Life skills students across the foundation department all got involved with decorating the ornaments that come in a range of seasonal shapes, with proceeds of the sales going Declan’s chosen charity, Guide Dogs UK.

The festive creations, ranging from stars and bells to stockings, trees, and snowflakes, embody the collaborative efforts of life skills students across the foundation department with their involvement in this project showcasing a commitment to community engagement and the development of creative skills.

Lecturer in Foundation Studies, Vicki Ralphs, said: “Every year we run a Christmas decoration sale that the life skills students create. Everyone gets involved and when we come to sell, we always run out so we’ve made loads more than usual this year to raise as much money for Declan’s chosen charity.

“Declan was recently nominated for Student of the Month as he’s made a fantastic start to his time at college and he is a pleasure to teach. He’s fully participated in this project and made a huge impact and we hope to raise lots of money for a fantastic cause close to his heart.”

Declan added: "It's been great and it's a brilliant idea to raise money for charity."

The decorations cost £1 and will be on sale outside the Transform Flower Shop near reception at Newcastle College on the afternoon of Wednesday 13 December with proceeds going to the world’s largest assistance dog organisation, Guide Dogs UK.