Social Work students’ foodbank fundraising

The ‘Stand Up for Social Work’ Society at Ulster University’s Derry campus led the fundraising drive and provides students with opportunities to get involved in their local communities and apply their social work skills and knowledge to tackling real issues.

The collective activism contributes to establishing the students’ sense of professional identity as social workers.

Hunger and poverty are impacting significantly on individuals and families, the ongoing pandemic has heightened the pressures for local families in the north west.

The local foodbanks makes a huge difference to families who are experiencing food poverty. Every penny raised is used to purchase food for individuals and families who need help.

The Pantry Project feeds over 2,400 people a year with the ethos of community giving to community, with staff and students on the Magee campus helping the Society raised £1,392.00 for the Churches Trust.

Denise MacDermott, Senior Lecturer and Subject Lead for Social Work commended the students for showing initiative. “We are immensely proud of our students, some of whom are finishing their first placement,” she said.

“Everyone has been affected by the Coronavirus, how we live, interact, educate and work. We wanted to support local families in need, Christmas brings added pressures and if we can alleviate some of that pressure then we must try to do so. We know our actions will not end food poverty and austerity, this is also about students demonstrating the importance of activism and raising awareness, acknowledging that lobbying is key to ensuring these issues are a priority for our politicians and policy makers.”

Geraldine O’Connor from the Churches Trust said: “We are so grateful for the Christmas Foodbank Appeal donation raised by the staff and students at the Ulster University. The donation will go a long way towards meeting the needs of people (individuals and families) who for one reason or another find themselves in a situation of extreme hardship.”