Staff working on Brookside Ward, demonstrated exceptional commitment to bettering the experience for the children and young people in their care during February half term.

In collaboration with the NELFT NHS Charity, the team working on Brookside Ward developed and delivered a week-long series of activities designed to support mental health and support the overall wellbeing of the children and young people on the ward.

This included baking, gardening, and arts-based workshops and promoted creativity, self-care, and social interaction.

The week helped children and young people develop a stronger sense of purpose and personal identity while maintaining a daily routine—elements that are often disrupted during inpatient stays.

Parents and carers highlighted the positive impact the efforts from staff had on the patients on the ward and the noticeable improvement in their overall wellbeing.

Dr Mohit Venkataram, Deputy CEO said: 

“This is a perfect example of something so amazing happening in our services supported by our charity. The NELFT NHS Charity exists to support us. Our service users, patients and carers feel the benefit of what the charity does, and I would encourage anyone considering applying for charity funding to please do so.

I would also urge anyone who is considering charity fundraising this year to think of the NELFT NHS Charity first and then take the leap. You will not only be raising money for something meaningful, but you’ll see and witness the benefits. I want to say a huge thank you to all involved from Brookside who brought this idea to life, and for bringing it to the charity who were so pleased to get involved.”