Presentation College Terenure Students Bring Holiday Warmth to Dublin Simon Outreach Team

The festive season is a time for joy, kindness and community, and this year, the Transition Year students of Presentation Community College Terenure truly embodied that spirit. With enthusiasm, compassion and generosity, students came together to raise vital funds for the Dublin Rough Sleeper Team, demonstrating that meaningful change can begin with young people taking action.

As part of the Localise Programme, students at Presentation Community College Terenure undertook a community project with real purpose and impact. Supported by UCD in the Community, who both assisted with fundraising efforts and mentored the students throughout their Localise journey, the students designed and delivered creative fundraising initiatives that engaged classmates, teachers, families and the wider school community. Their collective efforts raised much-needed funds to support people experiencing homelessness in Dublin, particularly those sleeping rough across the city and surrounding areas.

This contribution will help the Dublin Simon Outreach Team continue its essential work during the winter months, providing comfort, warmth and practical assistance to some of Dublin’s most vulnerable residents. Operated by Dublin Simon Community in partnership with the Dublin Region Homeless Executive, the Dublin Simon Outreach Team works 365 days a year to engage with people sleeping rough and connect them with emergency accommodation and vital supports. By building trusted relationships, the team helps individuals access healthcare, addiction services, welfare assistance and longer-term housing solutions. They also use innovative tools such as the Dublin Rough Sleeper Alerts app, enabling members of the public to report rough sleeping locations so outreach teams can respond quickly and effectively. Every day, the team offers not just practical help, but compassion, dignity and hope.

What made this initiative especially meaningful was that it extended far beyond fundraising. Through their participation in the Localise Programme, students developed a deeper understanding of homelessness, the complex challenges people face, and the importance of community-led action. With guidance and mentoring from UCD in the Community, students reflected on social issues, built leadership skills, and learned how collaborative partnerships can drive positive change.

Inspired by the success of this project, Presentation Community College Terenure and Localise are already looking ahead to new opportunities for meaningful community engagement. Localise continues to support young people across Ireland to make a positive difference through hands-on, values-driven projects that foster empathy, responsibility and civic pride.

From all of us at Localise, a heartfelt thank you to the students, teachers, families and supporters who made this initiative such a success, and a sincere thank you to UCD in the Community for their invaluable support, mentorship and commitment to empowering young people. This project is a powerful reminder that when communities come together, kindness and impact can extend far beyond the festive season.