STUDENTS from Shipley College and Craven College have spent several weeks working with local charities - finding out how they operate, coming up with ways to promote them, and raising funds.

Now the students have taken to the stage to deliver presentations about their campaigns, in a bid to win £1,000 for their chosen charity. Charities featured included The Cellar Trust, Staying Put and Food Cycle.

The winning presentation was by Shipley College Health & Social Care students, for Cancer Support Yorkshire. The students impressed judges with their use of TikTok videos showcasing fundraising ventures. The judges also praised presentations on Men’s Shed and Pendleside Hospice.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Students who delivered presentations, with college staff on stageStudents who delivered presentations, with college staff on stage (Image: Shipley College)

Twelve groups of students delivered presentations to an audience of students, college staff, charity representatives and judges. The £1,000 prize was from First Give, which empowers young people, “igniting a spark of social conscience”. The charity works with schools and colleges, inspiring young people to make a positive difference.

The event, at Victoria Hall, Saltaire, was introduced by Shipley College Principal Diana Bird. Delivered by First Give, in collaboration with Shipley and Craven Colleges, it was organised by Kathryn Comins, Lead on Youth Social Action, Shipley and Craven.

After each presentation, students were asked questions by the judging panel, comprising Lord Mayor of Bradford Cllr Martin Love; Deputy Director of First Give, Isaac Jones; Chair of Shipley College Board of Governors, Mohammed Hussain; Director of Sport and Student Experience, Association of Colleges, Dean Hardman; Founder and CEO of Octavia Learning, Becky Phillips; and Youth Social Action Apprentice, Leyton Sixth Form College, Olivia Russell.

The Cancer Support Yorkshire presentation was by Shipley College Health & Social Care students Asim Khan, Nafisa Khan and Ridah Hussain. Asim spoke movingly of his mother passing away from pancreatic cancer when he was 11-years-old. He did a sponsored head shave for Cancer Support Yorkshire, which was shown on a video. The presentation looked at how the charity supports people dealing with a cancer diagnosis, helping with practical issues as well as wellbeing. The students went to the charity and met a volunteer and former service user, and in college they raised £342, which they presented on stage to Lead Fundraiser Linda Enderby.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Shipley College Health & Social Care students and staff with their winning cheque, with Linda Enderby, far rightShipley College Health & Social Care students and staff with their winning cheque, with Linda Enderby, far right (Image: Shipley College)

Isaac Jones from First Give said the students’ filming skills impressed the judges, as well as their passion and commitment. “Filming their social action, and the editing skills they demonstrated - down to the music they chose for the videos - was one of the things that made it stand out,” he said. “It was clear how passionate and well prepared this group were.”

He added: “I’m so impressed by the dedication of all the students, and their knowledge of these social issues. They’re keen to take it forward, and this event has been a great launch pad for that.”

Linda Enderby from Cancer Support Yorkshire was inspired by the students’ use of TikTok and said the charity plans to develop this for youth engagement. “I’m really proud of them,” added Linda. “They’ve put such hard work into this. The £1,000 will make a real difference to our services.

Asim said: “I’m so proud of everyone. My mum is watching over me today. We’re definitely going to keep in touch with the charity.”

Shipley College Learning Coach Sophie Pullan said: “I’m really proud of the Level 2 Health and Social Care group. This is a cause very personal to them, which is why they chose the charity, and Linda and her team have helped them to learn more about the services they provide. The students have worked really hard to raise awareness in college and across the community and thoroughly deserved to win.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Some of the students on stage with the judges Some of the students on stage with the judges (Image: Shipley College)

Each group of students was judged on two criteria: social action and content, creativity and delivery of presentations.

The other presentations were:

* Shipley College Business students for Hope Housing;

* Shipley College Horticulture students for Men’s Shed;

* Craven College Computing students for Street Doctors;

* Shipley College Foundation for Choice students for The Cellar Trust;

* Craven College Catering students for SELFA;

* Shipley College Accounting students for Project 6;

* Craven College Aviation students for Simon on the Streets;

* Shipley College Childcare students for Staying Put;

* Shiply College Sport students for Food Cycle;

* Craven College Media Make-up students for Pendleside Hospice;

* Shipley College Production, Design and Development students for Guide Dogs.

Lord Mayor of Bradford Cllr Martin Love praised the “maturity and confidence” of the students, adding: “They have all done a superb job with their presentations, and their fantastic funds and awareness raising. Keep that passion going for your charities.”