Staff across the College volunteered their time to support local charities, schools and community organisations during the College's annual Community Outreach Day. From litter picking and school-based volunteering to fundraising events and practical improvement projects, colleagues made a meaningful impact across Oxfordshire while demonstrating the College's commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.
The initiative, which was originally created by staff, reflects the College's commitment to giving back to the communities it serves. Each year, colleagues volunteer for projects and nominate charities and organisations that are close to their hearts, spending the day making a positive impact across Oxfordshire.
Staff across the College came together for a packed programme of activities designed to support worthwhile local causes as well as strengthen connections between colleagues. This year's programme saw staff fundraising, volunteering their skills, supporting local schools and helping to improve community spaces.
Fundraising played a key role throughout the day, with a lively charity pub quiz raising money for Trunks Across the Thames, helping to support the return of the College's painted elephant sculpture. Teams put their knowledge to the test across six rounds of questions, enjoying some friendly competition while contributing to a great cause.
The popular Coffee Morning also returned to Abingdon Campus in support of Breast Cancer Now, with colleagues enjoying homemade cakes, refreshments, games and bingo. This staff-organised coffee morning proved another great success, raising an impressive £663 for charity - approximately £32 more than last year. Staff contributed refreshments, activities and prizes, helping to create a fun and welcoming atmosphere throughout the day.
Environmental projects formed another important part of the day. Staff took part in organised litter picks at Abingdon, Witney, Common Leys and Bicester, helping to keep local parks, countryside and riverside routes free from litter while enjoying time outdoors together. Volunteers also rolled up their sleeves at Ambrosden Village Hall, clearing weeds from the community car park to improve the appearance of this much-loved volunteer-run venue and create a more welcoming space for local residents.
Katy Hallatt, Lead Training Coordinator at Bicester Construction Skills Centre, said:
"It was great to spend some time giving something back to the local community. It's amazing how quickly a small group of people can make a visible difference, and it was a really enjoyable way to work together outside of our usual roles. Seeing the area looking cleaner at the end of the morning was really rewarding. We were proud to contribute to the wellbeing of our local area and hope it encourages others to play their part in keeping our communities clean and sustainable."
Another team travelled to Noah's Ark Children's Venture
at Macaroni Wood in Gloucestershire, where staff spent the day helping to maintain and improve the charity's beautiful woodland site. Volunteers took on a variety of practical tasks, including weeding pathways, sanding picnic benches ready for repainting and carrying out general grounds’ maintenance. The day provided a fantastic opportunity to support a local charity while working together in the great outdoors, helping to ensure the woodland remains a welcoming and accessible space for the children, young people and community groups who visit throughout the year.
Elsewhere, staff volunteered at Sobell House Hospice, helping to unpack and organise donated items. Their support assisted the hospice team with an important behind-the-scenes task, ensuring donations could be processed efficiently and put to good use in supporting the charity's vital work within the local community.
At St Edmund's Primary School in Abingdon, College staff spent the day supporting pupils and classroom activities. Volunteers assisted children with reading, mathematics and learning how to tell the time, while others helped prepare and tidy classrooms. Despite a power cut affecting parts of the school, staff quickly adapted and continued supporting pupils throughout the day, spending time both in classrooms and outdoors during the hot weather. The experience provided a valuable opportunity to support young learners while strengthening the College's relationship with the local school community.
For those looking for something more energetic, the annual staff charity football tournament brought plenty of excitement to the Sports Hall. Teams from across the College competed in a friendly round-robin tournament before progressing to knockout stages, with entry fees supporting charitable causes. Whether taking part on the pitch or cheering from the sidelines, colleagues embraced the event in great spirits, proving that teamwork and enthusiasm mattered far more than footballing ability.
At Common Leys, another group of volunteers spent the day helping to tidy and maintain the College's principal grazing site at a farm in Ramsden. In recognition of the longstanding support shown by the site's previous owner, staff carried out a range of practical tasks including weeding, fence repairs, strimming and general maintenance, while also helping to care for the resident sheep and cattle. Their efforts ensured the farm remained a welcoming and well-maintained environment for both the animals and the local community.
Together, the activities reflected the College's commitment to making a positive difference beyond the classroom. Through volunteering, fundraising and community action, staff supported local charities, improved shared spaces and strengthened partnerships with organisations across Oxfordshire and beyond, demonstrating the College's values in action.
Commenting on the day, Kirsten Get (People Services Director) said:
"Community Outreach Day is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when colleagues come together with a shared purpose. We're incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, generosity and teamwork shown by staff who gave their time to support local charities, schools and community organisations. By working together to make a positive difference in the communities we serve, they have truly embodied our ethos of 'Be You. Be Extraordinary."
Abingdon & Witney College would like to thank all of the charities, community groups and partner organisations who took part in this year's Community Outreach Day and for the incredible work they do throughout the year to support local people.
