At the Heart of the Community

Here are Hartlepool College over the last few weeks, since our closure, we have responded to the many calls of action in response to the outbreak of coronavirus which underlines our community ethos.

Deputy Head of the School of Engineering, Mark Elliott with the rhe aid of Axiom Engineering has made 160 visors which are being shipped to the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust, and used in such places as Butterwick Hospice, The Roseberry Park Hospital and The Ridgeway Centre.

Mark, one of the most experienced engineering teachers at the College with well over twenty years’ service commented, “We had a request from someone who worked at the Trust. Using the College’s 3D printer and supplies from Axiom Engineering based in Stockton, I now have supplies to make over 300 visors and this work is underway.”

In addition to Mark’s heroic efforts, we have donated all of our relevant PPE to the cause and opened the use of our Kitchens for local community group Poolie Time Exchange and St Aidan's Kitchen & Food Bank to use so that they can meet the increased demand from those who need cooked meals, with the addtion of the use of our Mini-buses and pool cars to help with the delivery, during these very trying times. Furthermore, many staff and students have volunteered their services, including two memebrs of staff being recalled to the army and NHS respectively.

Dave Hunter, Volunteer Co-ordinator (Poolie Time Exchange), and  Councillor said "Poolie Time Exchange would like to put on record our thanks to the College for their phenomenal support during this period. The use of the mini buses and the pool car had been crucial in us being able to deliver the service to the elderly and vulnerable in the Town. Also by giving us access to their teaching kitchens we can make meals for those that need them most as well. Without the College's help we couldn’t have delivered to the level we have, and we - and many people across the Town- will be forever in debt to them." 

Shaun Hope, Assistant Principal, states, “The College is located in the heart of the town and it is the role we want to play in our community. COVID-19 has given us the opportunity to play a full role and we are just pleased that we can do our bit. All staff who are making contribution can be proud of the role they are playing; however, Mark’s contribution is especially noteworthy as he is making the visors on top of supporting students from home.”​