Nottingham Hospitals Charity brings festive joy into the new year with Joyful January initiative

Earlier this month we launched launched our Joyful January initiative, bringing festive cheer well into the new year! Thanks to the generosity of local organisations, including Vertu Kia Nottingham, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue, and Santander Loughborough and Nottingham branches, we have been able to spread joy to areas of Nottingham’s Hospitals that are sometimes overlooked for Christmas donations. Through deliveries of toys, books, games, and activities, we’re helping to brighten hospital environments and provide entertainment and activities for patients of all ages, with deliveries taking place over the coming weeks.

In January, we invited staff across Nottingham’s Hospitals to nominate their ward, department, or area to receive a Joyful January delivery. The response was huge, with numerous submissions highlighting areas that benefit from toys and activities but are not always considered when it comes to tangible festive donations.

Thanks to the generosity of our community and business partners, we were able to support a range of hospital areas, with deliveries of toiletries, toys, games and arts and crafts activities including:

The Children’s Development Centre at Nottingham City Hospital

As part of the Children’s Hospital, the centre runs clinics for children with additional needs. However, since the pandemic, they have struggled to replace much-needed toys tailored to their patients. Thanks to the items we received, we’re able to replenish their waiting areas with a range of toys and games for all ages, to provide some distractions between appointments. 

“We have not had a lot of toys since Covid and have been trying to replace them to meet the specific needs of our children. There can be times when appointments are delayed, or children are seen by a doctor and then require further tests, meaning they can be with us for a couple of hours. We try to provide toys and activities, but we don’t have many!” – Nominator, Children’s Development Centre. 

Ward B47 at Queen’s Medical Centre

Although primarily a ward for patients with dementia, toys and games play a vital role in patient wellbeing. Adult wards are not typically considered for donations of tangible items, making this support particularly valuable. We’re able to provide a range of items such as arts and craft supplies, puzzles, team games and activities such as puzzles, Rubix cubes, tabletop pool and badminton, card games and much more.

“Toys and crafts can be used as a form of cognitive stimulation therapy for patients with dementia. They promote cognitive functioning, evoke memories, encourage engagement and social interaction, and help maintain language skills through discussion.” – Nominator, B47

Trent Regional Cleft Network at Nottingham City Hospital

As an outpatient clinic, the Trent Regional Cleft Network often sees young patients facing long waits for appointments. Clinical environments can be intimidating for children and challenging for parents trying to keep them occupied. To help with this challenge we’re able to provide a range of activities and games such as puzzles, play sets, card games, dolls and much more!

“We see children of all ages for clinics and speech therapy at our centre on the City campus. A range of toys would help to lessen the anxiety children often feel when attending appointments.” – Nominator, Trent Regional Cleft Network

The Geriatric Assessment Unit (GAU) at QMC

For elderly patients admitted to the GAU, staying occupied can be challenging, especially as the unit has limited access to natural light and poor phone signal. Arts and craft materials were highlighted as a much-needed resource along with other items to keep patients occupied. Thanks to generous donations received we’re providing items such as puzzle books, word searches, diamond art, craft sets, paints, craft clay and portable speakers. 

“Craft materials would be great for our patients, who enjoy colouring, word searches, crosswords, and water painting. Any craft materials would provide much-needed activities. Our unit has no phone signal, so no radios can get a connection, and we only have one CD player for 24 patients.” – Nominator, Geriatric Assessment Unit.

Spreading Joy beyond Christmas

At Nottingham Hospitals Charity, we are incredibly proud to support additional areas that are not always considered when it comes to festive donations. This initiative has also allowed us to meet more staff members across Nottingham’s Hospitals and share the impact of our work. We remain committed to supporting all areas of Nottingham’s NHS Hospitals, and we welcome wards, areas, or departments to connect with us to discuss fundraising, events, or grant funding opportunities. Our Fundraising Team is always happy to arrange a visit and explore how we can support you further.

Additionally, if you are a fundraiser, local business, or community organisation looking to work with us, we would love to hear from you! Our dedicated Fundraising Team is here to help you achieve and celebrate your fundraising goals. We have an exciting calendar of events planned throughout 2025, including the annual QMC Abseil, Dragon Boat Race, Golf Day, and the Robin Run 10k, 5k, and Family Fun Day as well as opportunities for corporate partnerships and sponsorships.