Support independents

We love all of the independent traders and local businesses in and around our beautiful city! Now, more than ever, is a great time to show our support. Take a look at our guide to some of the businesses that have adapted their ways of working and headed online to keep you fit, healthy and feeling good this April...

Thoburns Fresh Produce Our chums at Thoburn's Fresh Produce are still making it possible to indulge in all your foodie favourites this spring! They're running a home delivery service straight to your door this April. With a firm focus on keeping fit and healthy, the team have put together a range of healthy food boxes - starting from as little as £10! Expect to see colourful salad boxes, homegrown vegetable packages and vibrant fruit boxes that are bursting with all your exotic favourites. All you need to do is head over to their Facebook page, email the team your order and get set for feel-good foodie experience, straight to your home. FACEBOOK.COM/THOBURNS-FRESHPRODUCE

The Little Refill Shop The Little Refill shop is one of the region’s first zero waste stores, providing sustainable and largely plastic-free homeware and personal products. Spring is the perfect time to start focusing on yourself - and what better place to start thinking about your wellbeing than with a free delivery from the fine folk at The Little Refill shop? This family-run health store is at the heart of the community and is home to a large range of herbal remedies, tons of delicious wholegrain foods and natural supplements. Head online, process your order and get good-for-the-planet goodies delivered to your door! FACEBOOK.COM/THELITTLEREFILLSHOP

Port Independent Port Independent has made big waves in the fashion scene this year! Next up, they're taking online shopping to the next level with a purse-pleasing 20% off online orders. The streetwear aficionados have everything from cool long sleeve t-shirts to Vaux Brewery-inspired prints - guaranteed to keep you looking fresh this spring. PORTINDEPENDENT.CO.UK

Aphrodite In need of a wardobe overhaul this April? Our friends at Aphrodite have got you covered, offering 20% off all new season collections online. With new ranges available from the likes of CP Company, and Ralph Lauren at bargain prices, now is the perfect time to spruce up your wardrobe and crack that new look for your video call night out with the gang! APHRODITE1994.COM

Ryhope Florists Looking for something to bring a little life to your living space? In search of something special to send to a loved one during these tough times? Ryhope Florists have got you covered this spring! Head over to their Facebook page where you'll find gorgeous arrangements and beautiful bouquets guaranteed to put smiles on faces across the region! The vital final touch to any home after a spring clean, or a gorgeous gift for someone special. Search Ryhope Florists Sunderland on Facebook and order through Messenger - it's that simple!

FACEBOOK.COM/RYHOPEFLORISTS. SUNDERLAND

With the NHS and health sector under increased pressure during these unprecedented times, Sunderland College continues to lead the way in producing the next generation of frontline health care professionals.

Challenging the growing skills gap across the region, the college has invested in state-of-the-art facilities such as its Health Hub at Bede Campus to provide outstanding facilities for its students. Featuring a three-bed hospital ward, treatment room and sluice area with patient mannequins, a self-contained apartment to mirror a modern home care environment, mock ambulance interior and real care infant simulators among other industry standard facilities, the college ensures students gain vital skills and experience within professional working environments. In 2017, more than 96% of health and social care graduates progressed to employment or further study, such as Leah, who now works at Sunderland Royal Hospital. "I have always wanted to be a nurse and make a difference to people's lives," she says. "I started off as an apprentice which combined studying with working as a healthcare assistant on the trauma and orthopaedics ward. "I was then offered a permanent position, assisting the nurses with discharging patients. I am proud of what I do and health care is a profession I want to progress in and do for the rest of my life - I'm now looking into studying a nursing degree. "I owe my growth in confidence to my tutor at Sunderland College and working at the hospital. The environment at the college is very welcoming and the tutors are so supportive." The college's links with employers such

as the NHS, Care Academy, Ashford Orthodontics, Age UK, Washington Mind and St Benedict's Hospice, further helps students get career ready and gain real work skills. “I look at the Sunderland College students being put through their paces and I see ready-made healthcare professionals," adds Lance Gardner, Clinical Director and Chairman at social care provider, Be Caring. "As an employer, I could take on any one of these young people and know that Be Caring is welcoming a highly-trained and motivated professional." Almost 90,000 health care roles were expected to be available in the region in the coming years but, following the devastating outbreak of COVID-19, the specialist skills of health and social care professionals will be in higher demand than ever before. Education Partnership North East CEO, Ellen Thinnesen, who is also a qualified nurse, said: "The dedication of outstanding health care professionals in the current challenge is admirable. I am proud that we are ensuring that the workforce of the future is enhanced with highly-trained and committed individuals."

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SUNDERLAND COLLEGE'S HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE PROGRAMMES, AS WELL AS GET INFORMATION ABOUT ITS INNOVATIVE VIRTUAL OPEN DAYS, VISIT SUNDERLANDCOLLEGE.AC.UK