Collyer’s students Laurabeth Limbrick and Ellie Bennett this week presented the charity Mind in Brighton and Hovewith a cheque for £110. The money had been raised by Laurabeth, Ellie, Rebecca Day, Lucy Gray and Susie Martin as part of their spring project for their Citizenship course.

The group organised a Rainbow Day at the college, where students could dress up in rainbow colours if they made a small donation. Collyer’s staff and students then literally brightened up the day, donning a host of colourful costumes.

Laurabeth Limbrick explained why they had chosen the Mind in Brighton and Hovecharity: “The group decided to base our campaign on this issue as we were all Health and Social Care students and had completed a unit of coursework on mental health. We felt that it was important to help raise awareness. The money was a bonus!”

Ellie Bennett appreciated everyone’s generosity: “The Rainbow Day was hugely successful. I would like to thank all of the staff and students at Collyer’s, who contributed so generously. Also special thanks must go to Debbie Pitfield and the brilliant canteen team who donated money from their biscuit sale.”

Steve Byhurst, Advice and Information Coordinator at West Sussex Wellbeing Initiatives (part of Mind in Brighton and Hove that provides services in West Sussex) was delighted to receive the cheque for £110 on behalf of the charity: “The great thing about these students is that they really care about others and were so keen to help our important work. This money will go towards managing the Head Forward website, which helps people in West Sussex with mental health problems. The Head Forward web-site address is www.head-forward.info”.

Melanie Russell, Assistant Principal for Student Support at Collyer’s was thrilled: “It was great fun and a brilliant idea. The students have done themselves and the charity proud. They are a credit to Collyer’s and a credit to young people.”

Ellie Bennett added: “We’ve had a brilliant two years at Collyer’s and we just felt it was important to give something back to the community.”