Raise a Smile for patients in hospital this Christmas

Over the festive period, it is estimated that the community and mental health hospitals run by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust will look after around 650 inpatients and to brighten up their Christmas morning, Raising Health is hoping to raise enough funds to provide each inpatient with a gift to unwrap.

Crishni Waring, chair of Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust and the Raising Health charity, said: “We know that it can be very hard for our patients to have to spend Christmas Day in our care, especially those who may feel lonely or may not get a visit from a loved one. We want to offer all our inpatients a little gift to show that we – and the local community – are thinking about each and every one of them.

“In order to do this, we need to raise around £5,000 and are asking anyone who can afford to, to donate if they can. No matter how small, your generosity will help to brighten up someone’s Christmas morning.”

Last year, Raising Health managed to raise enough money to deliver 650 gifts to patients at the community hospitals (Coalville, Hinckley, Loughborough, Market Harborough, Melton, Oakham); at Mill Lodge in Enderby (Huntington’s disease), at Stewart House in Enderby (severe and enduring mental illness);  and in the city at the Bradgate Unit (working age mental health), The Beacon (children and adolescent mental health), Bennion Centre (older age general mental health) and the Evington Centre (physical health and dementia), Agnes Unit (Learning Disability), The Willows (severe and enduring mental illness). The presents included items such as chocolates, puzzles and blankets.

The Youth Advisory Board (YAB), made up of young people who have received support from the Trust, are supporting the Christmas Appeal to ensure young people in CAMHS outpatient service also receive a gift.