This festive season, Raising Health, the charity for Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, is calling on the public and businesses across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland to join forces in spreading festive cheer to those who need it most in their community hospitals and mental health wards. Through the annual “Raising a Smile” appeal, the team brings the magic of Christmas directly to patients who will spend the season away from the comfort of their homes and loved ones.

For some, the care and kindness they experience in LPT’s inpatient wards may be the only warmth of the season. The gifts provided by the “Raising a Smile” appeal might be their only source of Christmas magic. With support from businesses and individuals, the charity aims to make a meaningful difference, lifting spirits for over 600 patients this Christmas.

Faisal Hussain, chair of Raising Health, said: “We know that it can be very hard for our patients to spend Christmas Day in a hospital environment, especially those who may feel lonely or may not receive a visit from a loved one. We want to offer all our inpatients, across our community hospitals and mental health wards, a little gift to show that we – and the local community – are thinking about each and every one of them. In order to do this, we need to raise around £5,000, and we are asking anyone who can afford to donate, if they can. No matter how small, your generosity will help brighten up someone’s Christmas morning.”

The Raising Health team invites companies and individuals to support patients in one of the following ways:

  • Online donations: https://www.raisinghealth.org.uk/donate/christmas-appeal
  • Fundraising: Turn your festive activities into a fundraiser and donate towards the appeal.
  • Gift-in-Kind donations: Some businesses may have products suitable for inpatients. Please contact the team before gifting to discuss any necessary practicalities.
  • Sponsor the “Christmas Tree” competition: For businesses looking to make an even greater impact, there’s an opportunity to sponsor a special Christmas Tree competition within LPT’s inpatient units. This friendly contest fosters patient engagement and brings purpose to those facing health challenges.

For all businesses involved, the team has created a tailored e-card that not only serves as an opportunity to send best wishes to staff, colleagues, and partners but also helps spread the word about the CSR commitment of each participating company.

Together, we can transform this Christmas season into a heartfelt story of compassion and goodwill. This is a chance for the local community to make a real difference. Through donations, sponsorship, or fundraising, you can help ensure that no one is forgotten this Christmas.

To support the “Raising a Smile” appeal, please visit https://www.raisinghealth.org.uk/appeals/raising-a-smile-for-christmas or contact us at lpt.raisinghealth@nhs.net .