A TEAM at Launceston College set up a new ‘Community Action Group’ in order to provide supplies to those in the local area who may be self-isolating due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

With government guidelines now restricting school trips, Launceston College’s planned residential trips have had to be cancelled.

Teacher Emma Thompson was keen to encourage students to focus on a project in school that would benefit the local community. She said: “On Monday night the planned residentials were cancelled and I was thinking of ideas for the students to do in school. Inspired by all the amazing community spirit I have seen, I came up with the idea for students to do their own acts of kindness.”

Mrs Thompson and the students created a plan to create hampers for local residents over the age of 70 who are self-isolating. After uploading their ‘mission’ statement on the school’s Facebook page and website, within ten minutes they had their first request.

Mrs Thompson said: “The students embraced the challenge. They all came up with ideas and suggestions and set to work, collecting boxes, phoning local businesses, designing a card, recipe books and so on. Students found it very nerve-wracking contacting people, but as their confidence grew they really started to enjoy this challenge.”

As the week progressed, the team collected donations from all over Launceston and began to create their hampers, which were delivered on Thursday and Friday, March 18 and 19 and included essential items such as food, toiletries, games and activities. Businesses who generously offered to make donations towards the hampers include Boots, Finlays, Peacocks, Flower Scene, Country Chic, Homeleigh Garden Centre, Co-op Newport, Rocks Locks, The Byre, No 8, Memories, Maunders, Poundland and Tesco.

Mrs Thompson added: “We want to thank the local businesses who have supported us and the students and staff at the college who have been really generous. I have been so impressed with students and the way they have handled their disappointment regarding their residential trips and the maturity in which they have tackled this project.”