The Metropolitan Police commends RHACC for support during lockdown.
Senior representatives from the Metropolitan Police visited Richmond and Hillcroft Adult and Community College (RHACC) last week, to award college leaders with Certificates of Commendation for their response and support during the lockdown earlier this year.
Chief Inspector Angela Gentry and Deputy Borough Commander, Superintendent Simon Message awarded the College with the commendation for providing the police with live-in accommodation during the initial lockdown. RHACC, which has campuses in Richmond and Surbiton, allocated its residential accommodation to the police so frontline staff could fulfil their duties and shield their families at the height of the pandemic.
The accommodation at the Hillcroft Campus is usually used by learners on the College’s specialist women-only courses. Principal Gabe Flint saw an opportunity to help local services once students were no longer allowed onsite during lockdown, she explained: “We had to act quickly once we were advised to stop the delivery of courses onsite due to the pandemic. Courses were moved online and students were asked to go home to study. As a result, our onsite accommodation was standing empty. We were able to offer the accommodation to the police so they could maintain their frontline presence while reducing risk of transmission to their families. The campus offered clean and comfortable bedrooms, along with access to kitchens, storage facilities and outside space for the team to relax in.”
The Metropolitan Police wanted to acknowledge the impact of the support provided by the College by awarding the Certificates of Commendation. CI Gentry commented: “We want to say a huge thank you to Richmond and Hillcroft Adult and Community College and its governors for their generosity, support and partnership during the global pandemic. They went above and beyond and it made a huge difference that supported front line policing in the south west of London and we are very grateful. Thank you.”
Ms Flint added: “We were delighted to be able to support the police in such a practical way during the lockdown. We are a very proactive community college and it has always been an important part of our mission to form strategic partnerships in our community.”
The presentation took place at the Parkshot campus in Richmond which re-opened for onsite classes in September. The Hillcroft campus has now also re-opened for onsite classes. Both campuses are operating under strict Covid-safe measures.
