Celebrating Your College Community: The Impact we make beyond our campuses

As we wrap up Colleges Week 2026 with Friday’s theme, Celebrating Your College Community, we’re taking the opportunity to recognise our college community and the positive impact it has beyond our campuses.

At Abingdon & Witney College, supporting our community is a key part of what we do. Our staff, learners and partners work closely with local organisations to make a positive difference beyond the classroom.

One of the most visible expressions of this commitment is our annual Community Outreach Day. Held every year, the day gives staff the opportunity to volunteer their time as part of their working day, supporting local charities, community groups and causes that matter to them. In 2025, hundreds of staff took part in activities both on and off campus, including fundraising events, sports tournaments, volunteering with local groups, supporting asylum seekers, environmental litter picks and practical improvement projects. Alongside this, staff and students also supported local food banks through donations, helping those facing hardship within our communities.

Our community impact continues throughout the year with a wide range of staff- and student-led initiatives. In November 2025, students involved in the Youth Council Project brought energy and creativity to a fundraising cake stall, entertaining passers-by with singing, dancing and enthusiastic sales pitches. The activity raised £195.12, and thanks to generous donations and purchases from the college community, 125 selection boxes were delivered to The Abingdon Food Bank, supporting local families during the festive period.

A few more recent initiatives include working with local organisations to offer free volunteer training across Oxfordshire, and teaming up with South Oxfordshire District Council and partners to bring skills and employment workshops directly into the Berinsfield community.

We also support staff who give back in exceptional ways. One example is Karen Bellcourt, a Student Health and Safety Adviser and on‑call firefighter, who is able to respond while at College thanks to the flexibility of her role.

All of this comes down to people caring about other people. Whether it’s giving time, sharing skills or supporting those who need it most, our staff and students are always looking for ways to help. This Colleges Week, we’re proud to celebrate the people who make Abingdon & Witney College such a positive and welcoming place for our community.