Activate Learning is preparing to launch MindGreen Community Service Week, a five-day celebration of volunteering, creativity, and community connection taking place across its Oxfordshire campuses in the first week of December.
The Association of Colleges (AOC) Beacon Award 2025/26 finalist initiative aims to raise £4,000 through sponsored student service, with every learner encouraged to get involved in making a difference.
Day 1: City of Oxford College and University Centre to begin the week with ‘Serve the Services’
The week will begin on Monday 1 December at City of Oxford College and University Centre, where Public Service students will host Serve the Services, a special afternoon tea from 2–4pm honouring uniformed representatives including emergency and public service workers, veteran’s and special guests.
Guests will enjoy pastries handmade by Catering students, while other learners will deliver readings, choir performances, and reflective speeches on the theme “What does community mean to me?”
A full day of service activities across campus
City of Oxford College and University Centre will transform into a hub of service throughout the day, with students from all faculties invited to take part. Planned activities include:
All-day initiatives (10am–3pm)
- Live artwork studio in Recharge, creating pieces to be donated to local prisons, care homes, and homeless shelters
- Christmas card writing station for care home residents
- Face painting and wellbeing boosts
- Carol singing throughout the day
- Bookmarks and glasses cases crafted for care homes
- LLDD upcycling station transforming vintage clothing and T-shirts into tote bags
- Hair, beauty, and nail treatments for students who need a wellbeing lift
Morning sessions (10am–12pm)
- Care package creation for vulnerable students and community groups
- Early Years family boxes filled with stories, treats, and gifts
- Tier 3 product sale
- Campus litter-picking
- Cake and cookie making by 14–16 learners for the Student Support Hub
- Live music in Recharge
Afternoon sessions (1–4pm)
- Continuation of care packages, upcycling, and wellbeing activities
- Prop making for the LifeSkills Christmas play
- Additional campus tidy session
- LifeSkills sale of goods
- More live music and festive atmosphere
A pre-event Ahead of Time project will also see students prepare foil blankets for the Guildford Action Sleep Out on 29 November at Activate Learning’s Guildford College.
Day 2: Banbury and Bicester College to continue the spirit of service
On Day 2, Banbury students will welcome members of the local retirement community for:
- Animal therapy activities
- Staff vehicle safety checks
- Homemade mince pies
Createch students will produce decorations for Horton Hospital, while others support the vulnerable student box appeal, a local food drive, and Christmas choir performances. Students will also design letters and cards for retirement community residents.
Day 3: The Leys College community afternoon
Day 3 will see The Leys College host community groups for tea, cake, and conversation. Hair and Beauty students from Oxford will provide treatments, while Createch students will make artwork for CDI Clockhouse.
A week designed to show the power of community
Any student across Activate Learning will be able to join in at any point throughout the week, ensuring that the spirit of service is accessible to all. With activities spanning creativity, wellbeing, environmental action, and care for others, MindGreen Community Service Week is set to be one of the organisation’s most ambitious community initiatives to date.
The sponsorship target of £4,000 aims to further support community-focused projects, demonstrating the meaningful impact students can make when they come together with purpose.
Want to support this week? You can donate to MindGreen’s Community Service Week via JustGiving.
