An innovative project is giving Holmesglen Institute staff and community services students the opportunity to support essential healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Holmesglen – together with community partners, sponsors and local business – has introduced Hugs from Holmesglen, an initiative to provide much-needed care packs to nurses and frontline heathcare staff.
The project has already provided over 1,000 care packs to hospitals where healthcare staff have been treating COVID-19 patients. The packs included pamper personal care items, food and drink and vouchers.
Hugs for Holmesglen also gives students practical industry placement for the CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services (case management) course.
“Hugs for Holmesglen sees students working in small groups on various aspects of the project, including logistics, production, marketing and in distribution teams, alongside Holmesglen teaching and support staff. Students help to source, pack and distribute thank you packs to staff at hospitals,” says Holmesglen Community Engagement Coordinator Linda Dennison.
The project has ensured community services students can complete their required practical placement hours and graduate, after COVID-19 restrictions affected other workplace opportunities. Holmesglen student Netsai Emiyoni has developed her professional skills this year as part of her course and placement.
“I have learned how to make strategies, manage, work in a team and source resources,” she says.
“I have also learned the appropriate language to use when communicating with and within a group, asking for grants, donations and support for a project.”
Hugs from Holmesglen – Overview
- 4,000 products sourced from community partners and local business.
- Over $1,000 raised in donations (including a $500 donation by Father Bob Maguire Foundation, which was used to provide free tea and coffee vouchers at Zouki cafe at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, and a delivery van by Wilson Storage).
- 800 reusable tote bags to support the delivery supplied by Holmesglen’s Marketing and Communications team.
- Cookies baked and donated by Holmesglen’s Hospitality Department.
- Design and printing provided by Educational Media Services.
- Project guidance to students from Holmesglen Foundation.
“To the healthcare workers, thank you for working hard during this pandemic. Because of the way you have handled patients with COVID-19, lots of people have been saved. We are looking at a future where we can do what we used to do before,” says Netsai.