College News

Lots of Socks

Students and staff at QE celebrated World Down Syndrome Day to raise awareness and change perceptions of the condition. They joined in the international campaign ‘Lots of Socks’, donating  £1  for the privilege of wearing brightly coloured socks, mismatched socks, long socks, printed socks, 1 sock… even 3 socks.  Teachers, Nicola Naisbett and Beccy Stannard, also ran a staff raffle with a twist with colleagues paying £1 for a chromosome rather than a raffle ticket. In addition, student volunteers took buckets around college to collect loose change. All the money raised went to the Education Centre for Children with Down Syndrome.

 Nicola Naisbett explains:

 “Numerous members of staff and students participated in the Lots of Socks campaign which was fantastic and humbling. The raffle and voluntary donations were very successful and the charity will benefit greatly from the funds raised. The ECCDS is a charity that is committed to helping Down Syndrome children and their families develop essential skills to ensure they meet their future with confidence. They are primarily based in Newton Aycliffe with an outreach group in Hexham. Parents travel from around the North East to attend the sessions which focus on enhancing the education and development of children with Down Syndrome through activities which target their individual learning profiles. I think it’s amazing that QE staff and students work together to promote inclusive education and are beginning to break down societal barriers with regards to disability and learning difficulties.”

 The fundraising event was a huge success with a total of £371 being raised. For more information about the charity and the work that they do visit:  www.eccds.org.uk .