Published on: 21 December 2023
Workmates pooled their efforts to make sure children will have a cosy Christmas this year.
Colleagues from the Emergency Assessment Unit at South Tyneside District Hospital have worked together to collect gifts.
They have now been donated to South Shields-based Impact Family Services along with another collection from the hospital’s Cardiology department,
It supports families effected by domestic violence as part of its work.
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust helps signpost people to the support it offers, with information on hand for patients at the hospital.
Members of the EAU team at South Tyneside District Hospital with the gifts for Impact Family Services.
Kriss Wilson, a Healthcare Assistant on the ward, led the effort and said:
"The reason we decided to organise this with the team was because we all felt we would like to do something as a group to help children in the community.
"We didn’t want them to go without this Christmas.
"Between us, we put together more than 30 boxes.
"Every one of them included a small toy and then we added in items which we knew would be a help, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste and school supplies such as paper and pens.
"We also wanted to make sure they have some practical things to keep them warm this winter, so we also collected pyjamas, gloves, hats and scarfs to include.
"We know some of the people we see in hospital are struggling and that stays with us.
"This was a way for us to help families who might be having a tough time and we hope it brings them some comfort to know someone has thought about them at Christmas time."
Julie Robinson is Service Manager for Impact Family Services.
She said:
"We want to send a heartfelt thank you to everyone that has donated to our Christmas gift appeal this year.
"Christmas is particularly hard time for us all but for many of our service users they have had to rebuild their homes too, buying essential items of furniture and white goods so there is very little money left for extras.
"We try and help our service users have a better Christmas in any way we can and the generosity of the staff at the hospital is second to none."
Impact Family Services’ website features advice and support for anyone in South Tyneside facing domestic abuse, separation and divorce and also runs domestic abuse perpetrator services.
More details can be found through www.impactfs.co.uk.
