On Wednesday more than 80 homeless and vulnerable people from across Merseyside will be offered a free Christmas lunch, haircuts, toiletries, shower facilities, clothing and dental advice. Tony McDonough reports

More than 80 homeless and vulnerable people from across Merseyside will be welcomed into the City of Liverpool College this week for a free Christmas lunch, haircuts, toiletries, shower facilities, clothing and dental advice.

The college’s annual Open House event in Roscoe Street will see students offer a helping hand and they are still seeking donations to help make it a success.

To be held at the Learning Exchange centre on Wednesday, December 20, between 12.30 – 4.30pm, Open House is part of a wider initiative that has seen almost 500 homeless people receive help from students over the past 18 months.

The event is being held in partnership with Bite Club, the college’s catering supplier, and donations have been received from law firm Hill Dickinson.

Crisis, the UK national charity for homeless people, will be available on the day to offer support and advice to visitors. Four-legged companions will also be looked after with a dedicated doggy shelter provided by Care for the Paw.

The Open House at the college hosts people who are rough sleepers, living in hostels, shelters, care centres, women’s refuges and temporary housing.

Mark Rossiter, student engagement manager at the college, said: “Christmas can be a difficult time for the most vulnerable people in our city, and we feel that it’s our responsibility as one of the biggest student communities in Liverpool to come together and offer our support to those who need it most at this time of year.

“We are incredibly proud of our students and their efforts to make this day as enjoyable as possible for our guests. Events such as this are invaluable and we want to thank all of our partners for their support.”

To make a donation contact Mark Rossiter at  Mark.Rossiter@liv-coll.ac.uk