VOLUNTEERS are needed to spread some extra cheer among patients at the Hospital of St Cross over the festive season.
The Friends of St Cross charity and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust are launching a joint appeal for people to spend time with patients who will have to spend the Christmas season in the hospital – providing company, conversation and even a creative outlet through playing bingo, board games and art.
The scheme has been extremely popular in the past, with positive feedback received from patients and befrienders – many of whom choose to visit more than once.
Training and guidance will be provided to ensure volunteers get the most out of what can be a rewarding experience.
Clare Noden, Modern Matron at the Hospital of St Cross, said: “Some patients with us over the festive period will not be well enough to be discharged home before Christmas, and may not have many close friends or relatives nearby who can visit them or stay in touch.
“We are delighted to be inviting our volunteers back into the hospital for another year – it’s a brilliant initiative by the Friends of St. Cross and the Trust, one that we hope will bring light and cheer into many patients’ lives this Christmas.”
Willy Goldschmidt, President of the Friends of St Cross, added: “During the festive season before the pandemic we had a great response, with 65 people volunteering and many coming to visit patients on two or more occasions. This year we would like to do even better.
“We look forward to welcoming people from across the community who would like to take up this opportunity to make an uplifting difference for patients in our hospital.”
Volunteering hours are 2pm-8pm from December 24 to January 2.
Visit http://bit.ly/3itlQOw to register interest.
For more information, contact [email protected] – or attend information sessions at Poplar Place at St Cross between 10am and noon on Saturday December 3 or Saturday December 10.
