Give Back Grant creates safe and welcoming Hub

In 2025, Preston College were delighted to receive funding from the Crescent Purchasing Consortium’s Give Back Grant programme. The grant was used to purchase furniture, sensory lighting and a Nintendo Switch for enrichment, and to transform an under-used space to a vibrant and inclusive social Hub. The newly designed space offers a warm, café style atmosphere where students can relax, connect with peers and feel truly part of college life.

The Hub was identified as the perfect area to invest the grant, as the College has a growing number of SEND students who wanted a safe and welcoming environment to unwind, share time with friends and participate in enrichment activities. The Hub is equipped with a variety of accessible seating options; the space supports comfort, independence, and social confidence. 

Kat Fawcett, Director of Learner Services said: “By re-purposing an under-used space into a dynamic social zone, we are strengthening our commitment to student well-being, promoting inclusion and ensuring every student has a place where they feel supported and valued.

Students continue to take part in a wide range of activities, including LEGO therapy, interactive games, and communication workshops where they refine their voices. They also engage in lively discussions through our SEND debate club or unwind and express their creativity in our ever popular craft sessions.

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Students not only appreciate the calm, welcoming environment the Hub provides, but they are also developing key skills that align with their individual goals and EHCP targets.

Over 60 students access the space every day, many of whom are among our most vulnerable students. These students have shown noticeably improved engagement in their college programmes, increased participation in wider college activities, and a stronger ability to manage social and academic expectations. Students consistently report that spending time in the Hub has given them a greater sense of belonging at college, helping them feel more connected supported, and confident in their day‑to‑day routines. The Hub is already proving to be a powerful catalyst for growth—building social skills, strengthening independence, and fostering a more inclusive college community.”

Preston College received the grant from the Crescent Purchasing Consortium, you can find out more about CPC by visiting their website at www.thecpc.ac.uk