Spending time in hospital at Christmas can be a very difficult time for our patients, their families and loved ones, but even more so this year due to the pandemic and visiting restrictions in place.

Being a patient in hospital is not always an easy experience for some, and being away from home during a season where it is common to be among friends and family will be incredibly difficult for a lot of the individuals in our care. Many people forget that one of the biggest social effects that the pandemic has created is increased loneliness and isolation, and its impact on our inpatients' mental health has been detrimental.

And that is where you can help us.

This year, our Black Country Brighter Lives charity want to bring festive joy and magic to all the patients in our care this Christmas by giving each and every one of them a gift to show that we care, that we are thinking of them and most importantly, they are not alone this Christmas. But to make this happen, we need your support.

Whether it be funds for treats and gifts for our patients on the wards to enjoy on Christmas Day (such as hampers, food, activity books, refreshments, wash kits and more), or donations that could aid our bigger projects such as more electronics to help keep our patients connected with their loved ones during their stay, or improve the facilities on the wards to better enhance their experience, your support (no matter how big or small) will make a world of difference.

£2 could help us buy treat selection boxes, activity books, pens and colouring items for our elderly patients

£5 would help us purchase DVDs, board games, portable radios, headphones and more for individuals to enjoy during their stay

£10 would help us fund winter items such as scarves, blankets, stocking fillers, gloves, and more

£20 could fund a big festive hamper for our patients to enjoy on Christmas Day!

If you decide to make a donation, don't forget to gift aid your donation, which means that we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you donate and it wont cost you any extra.

Why not fundraise for us this Christmas?

If you, your family, workplace, organisation, school or more would like to fundraise for us, we would be happy to support you with your venture! There are so many creative, festive things you could do to raise money.

If you need any inspiration, then look no further! Why not host a virtual Christmas party or cheese and wine evening with your family and friends, or you could even bake your very own Christmas cake and ask your family and friends to guess the weight of it. You could also get your children and grandchildren involved and host a virtual Santa run!

Support us this Christmas

Our Trust are so proud of our staff, patients, carers and service users, and we hope that our wonderful Black Country community can help us support them in this greatest hour of need. For more information about our charity, how you can help us and more check out our website at: https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/support-our-charity or email us at bchft.brighterlives@nhs.net.

However you decide to support us, we'd like to thank you for your kindness and for helping us bring some joy to the patients that will be in our care this Christmas.

We'd also like to wish you, your family and loved ones a very Merry Christmas!