The Coronavirus is already having a hugely negative economic and social impact across the UK, whether that’s job uncertainty or self-isolation preventing many vulnerable people from buying the basic items they need.

London & South East Education Group is one of the largest education provider in south east London and operates as a social enterprise. The Group currently comprises of;

- London South East Colleges - A College group operating 7 campuses across the region - www.lsec.ac.uk

- London South East Academies Trust - A Multi Academy Trust, including Bromley Trust Academy, Bromley Beacon Academy, Horizons Academy, Endeavour Academy, Aspire Academy, Belmont Academy and Woodside Academy - www.lseat.co.uk

- London Skills For Growth - A Bexley based charity delivering education and training to young people aged between 16-24 - www.skillsforgrowth.org.uk

We are working hard to ensure we have a real, positive impact on the lives of our local communities. We have the resources and the fantastic staff to make it happen.

That is why at London South East Colleges we have established the FE Food Bank Friday initiative. Since setting up the programme on Friday 20 March, we have already donated four large containers full of food and essential household items to food banks in Bromley, Bexley and Greenwich. This has included a large donation from our BR6 restaurant commercial kitchens and a chest freezer to a local church. The support we have received has been overwhelming and we would love for this to continue.

However, as more staff and students are advised to work and study remotely, it is becoming difficult for staff and students to physically donate any items. That is why we have started this fundraising campaign, which aims to raise £20,000 so that our food bank can continue to operate despite social distancing taking place across the country. All donations will be split between our three London Boroughs, Bromley, Bexley and Greenwich, once the campaign has concluded.

We are asking anyone willing during this extremely tough period to consider donating what they can to ensure that we all can pull through this crisis together.

Thank you so much for your kind donation.