Business students Natalia Ender and Travis Pantel on work placement at Crutch Haringey.
Big-hearted students have been undertaking work placements at a charity offering a lifeline for people in need in north London.
The group, who are all studying Business at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL), gave their time to support Crutch Haringey earlier this year.
The organisation, run by Citizens Advice Haringey, provides practical support for people in the borough experiencing financial hardship or crisis.
The four-year project helps families with essentials such as food, clothing and shelter, as well as advice and guidance to get them back on their feet.
During their placements the students carried out a wide range of tasks, particularly around promoting the organisation, including marketing, publicity and social media campaigns.
Travis Pantel, 18, who is studying an Introductory Diploma in Business Level 1, said: “I’ve never worked for a charity before and it was a good experience to get involved and find out how they get support and fundraise, while also being able to help people less fortunate than myself.”
Crutch Haringey supported 436 residents in 2017 by providing 401 emergency food bags and 451 free meals.
Earlier this year it was named The Mall Wood Green’s Official Charity of the Year 2018.
Dean Wigzell, Team Leader at Crutch Haringey, said: “As a project we are always keen to work with other local organisations as they can provide the type of local knowledge we need to give the correct level of support to our clients.
“We aim to empower the community with the ability to support itself, and the opportunity to work with the next generation to help them to understand the issues being faced in their neighbourhoods can only be positive for the future.”
CONEL offers full-time business courses from Level 1 to Level 3 as well as a pre-apprenticeship course in retail and full apprenticeships with a range of companies.
Anne-Marie Melbourne, Employer Engagement Officer at CONEL, said: “We’re very proud at CONEL to support our local community and provide all kinds of work placements for our students to develop their skills, including at organisations like Crutch Haringey where voluntary help is most needed.”