The Portland College spirit is shining brighter than ever as colleagues go above and beyond to support learners, residents and each other in these challenging times.

That’s the view of principal and chief executive Mark Dale, who said it was important in times of crisis for communities to pull together and support each other.

The college has made face visors for a local care home and the NHS and Mark added: “We welcome the opportunity to help our local communities by sharing vital resources with organisations in need.

“We are hoping to continue producing and donating PPE (personal protective equipment) over the coming weeks.

“We are also looking into other ways that we can support the Mansfield and Ashfield district.

“We are a very small cog in a great national effort and we will keep turning.”

As well as continuing to support its own vulnerable learners and residents, both on and off campus, Portland is now extending its support to the wider community through a range of initiatives, also including an Easter Holiday Club and supporting local businesses through the Ashfield Ambassador Scheme.

The Easter Holiday Club enabled key worker parents to continue their vital frontline work throughout the Easter holidays by providing a safe and fun activity club for their vulnerable young people to attend during the working day.

Portland has also signed up to the Ashfield Ambassador Scheme. Members of the senior management team at the college will be joining a team of volunteers across Ashfield to provide advice and guidance for local businesses to understand and access Government assistance throughout the Covid-19 crisis. Go to www.discoverashfield.co.uk