Published
By CPC Helpdesk
With our 2026 funding window now open for applications, Crescent Purchasing Consortium is proud to share how some of our Giving Back charity grant funding helped a UK college launch a state-of-the-art inclusive wellbeing space for students.
Officially opened on Monday 26th January 2026, The Sanctuary will now provide learners at York College with a dedicated area to relax and regulate throughout their day, with several carefully-designed elements making a significant difference to how learners experience college life, transforming learner wellbeing in the process.
Part of The Sanctuary development includes the Sensory Nook, which enables targeted sensory work for learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), while there are spaces for quiet reflection, opportunities for sensory regulation and areas where learners can access targeted support. In addition, The Sanctuary will serve as a triage point within the college's wider network of support services, enabling staff to respond quickly to individual needs. As its inclusive design ensures The Sanctuary benefits a diverse range of students, including non-SEND learners, it is expected this new resource, with adaptive lighting, secluded seating and a dedicated meeting booth, will make a tangible difference to the students of York College.
York College has more than 7,000 students and apprentices encompassing a wide range of courses including A Levels, T Levels, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, degrees, access to Higher Education and adult classes. Their Sanctuary facility will be available to everyone, spanning study groups, thus will have a transformative impact on learners of all ages, across the campus.
Funding for this worthy project was achieved via CPC’s Giving Back initiative, which supports educational institutions across its 10,000+ membership in their efforts to assist with SEND education, support the physical and mental wellbeing of learners and tackle destructive absenteeism. Since its 2019 inception, the CPC charity has designated more than £2million for reinvestment across the UK education sector, facilitating a wide variety of purchases, projects and events around the British Isles.
Liam Garside, Director of Student & Apprentice Services, said: "The impact has already been transformative. Students report feeling calmer and more able to engage with their studies after using The Sanctuary. The sensory resources have proven to be especially impactful for learners with SEND, while the inclusive design has fostered a broader sense of belonging and respect".
CPC Managing Director, Darren Lowe, said: "I’m delighted the Giving Back support York College received has helped them to create and launch The Sanctuary, which not only supports SEND and student wellbeing, but the wider college community, as well! It’s fantastic to read and hear about the difference projects like this are making".
Ken Merry, Principal and Chief Executive of York College was pleased to cut the blue ribbon to officially open The Sanctuary facility this week, with CPC looking forward to seeing the lasting benefits of this Giving Back funded project in the years ahead.
Our latest Giving Back window opened on Monday 19th January 2026 and will remain open for funding applications until Friday 27th February. For full details on how to apply, visit https://www.thecpc.ac.uk/funding/giving-back-grant-funding...
