SHINE (registered charity no: 1165788) makes a huge difference to patients across the North East and Cumbria receiving care in CNTW’s mental health, learning disability and neurological care services.

Spending time in hospital or in community services can often be a daunting experience; SHINE aims to improve patient and carer experience and wellbeing by funding therapeutic activities and items of comfort which compliment patient care. It is thanks to the generosity of donors that SHINE is able to fund these ‘extras’ that make such a difference to patients.

On 15-17 May, clinical staff from the 6 inpatient wards in Cumbria will be joined by colleagues from support services to raise money to support our local community mental health football group and to enhance the therapeutic activities across our inpatient wards.

The football group is supported by the Cumbria United Football Club Community Trust and has been running for 9 years. It is supported by accessing charitable funds each year and our fund-raising efforts hope to secure this for this year and beyond. This has been a fantastic opportunity for both service users within our north Cumbria inpatient settings and Carlisle community mental health teams to access. Engagement in physical activity has shown to have great benefit on both mental health, physical health, and wellbeing.

In addition, we are seeking to enhance the quality of patient experience across our inpatient services, providing funds for little extras’ that make a difference to patients. This could be more meaningful activities that cater for all groups of people, items of comfort to assist with people’s care. Funds raised via our charity have paid for things like sports equipment, sensory equipment and therapy gardens.

We are currently seeking further funding to allow these projects to continue and to continue to support the best possible experience for patients within our care. Although the activity will be challenging we are committed to completing this to raise awareness and support for this great cause.