Tackling Poverty Together

At Dundee & Angus College we believe that no one should have to face struggles alone and that’s why we launched our Thrive with D&A project in 2022, in response to the cost of living crisis. Our goal? To ensure that our students, staff and their families have access to the support they need, whether it’s food, clothing or simply a warm space to feel safe.

Why Thrive with D&A Matters

In Dundee, poverty is a real issue with the latest Poverty Profile showing more than 36.5% of the population living in areas ranked among Scotland’s most deprived, with more than 31% of children growing up in poverty. At Dundee & Angus College we see the effects of this every day and the Thrive project was created to address this urgent need in our community.

By providing essential resources and creating a supportive environment, Thrive with D&A has ensured that no one in our College community is left behind.

Fighting Hunger Together

One of our first steps was simple but also very powerful, the introduction of free soup and bread rolls at lunchtime for staff and students. With so many people facing food insecurity, we knew this could make a real difference.  And it has! Offering out free soup to everyone has reduced the stigma around asking for help and fostered a real sense of community. Students and staff alike spend time chatting over their free bowl of soup. In the last year alone, more than 82,300 bowls of soup have been served, making sure that no one goes hungry during the college day.

Here is what one of our students had to say: “I have loved the free food that has been available on Campus, in particular, the soup and roll, as a single, lone parent for a one-year-old I can really struggle financially and knowing that there is warm soup available when I'm struggling takes a stress away that I don't need to have.”

Essential Items for Free

But food was just the beginning.  Across all of our campuses, we set up Thrive Shops where students and staff can pick up essential items including clothing, toiletries and household goods without cost.  And when the cold months rolled in our community responded with incredible generosity.  Through the Cosy Coat Appeal, more than 400 coats and blankets were donated to ensure that families stayed warm throughout the winter.  Similarly, our Students’ Association launched a School Uniform Drive to support families preparing for the return to school without the financial strain.

More Than Just Essentials

Thrive doesn’t just focus on the material needs of an individual, we want to support the whole person.  That’s why we offer free haircuts, thanks to our Barbering students, who get their hands-on experience while helping those in need.  Even our Gardyne Theatre got involved by hosting free Christmas movie screenings to give local families a little cost-free holiday fun. Sometimes the best support that we can offer is the gift of connection and community when times are tough.

Don’t take our word for it, here is what one of our students had to say about the free haircuts from our Barbering students: “Free haircuts are amazing, they have saved me so much money and they have most definitely helped with my confidence levels.”

Fundraising for Thrive

Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible dedication of our staff and students who are always looking for new ways to support the Thrive project. Last year our Sports & Fitness Department took part in a Cyclathon where they covered more than 1,500 miles and raised more than £1,300. This year they took on the Three Peaks Challenge, climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales, raising more than £1,500 and they are not stopping there.  They already have more fundraisers in the works.

Our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students also got involved with fundraising by organising their Multicultural Day, celebrating the diversity of our College community through food, storytelling and shared traditions. The event, along with a magazine they created to tell their stories raised more than £200 to support the Thrive project. The students wanted to give back what they could to an initiative that has supported them. That’s what makes Thrive so special, it’s driven by the passion and creativity of our College community.

In total this year alone fundraising across the College has brought more than £10, 500 to support the Thrive with D&A project.

Making a Bigger Impact Together

Staff across our College have been equally committed to Thrive.  Through the Thrive Payroll Scheme, they have contributed almost £5,000 this year alone.  It is amazing how small, regular contributions can add up to something that truly makes a difference.

Recognising how crucial this initiative is to our community, D&A stepped up in a big way.  In the last year, the College has directly subsidised the Thrive project with more than £48,700 to ensure that the initiative can continue to offer vital support. 

Together through staff contributions and the College’s backing, we are making a lasting impact to ensure that everyone in our community has the opportunity to thrive.

Standing Together to Break Barriers and Build Futures

As we mark the end of Challenge Poverty Week, Thrive with D&A is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we work together. By breaking down barriers that poverty creates we can ensure that everyone in our College community has the support needed to succeed, not just academically but also in life. 

Together we are not just surviving tough times, we are thriving.