Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s (LPT) charity is appealing for funds to help staff and vulnerable patients through the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Raising Health, LPT’s charitable arm, will use the money to support the health and wellbeing of those caring for patients with the virus or coping with additional workloads, and patients who may not fully understand what is going on in these unprecedented times.

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust is a mixed community and mental health trust, employing around 6,300 people. It is treating a number of patients who have the virus, others who need treatment for other conditions but have contracted the virus, and many with learning disabilities or mental health problems which can leave them very frightened by the course of the disease.

Gemma Ablewhite, health and wellbeing lead for the Trust, said: “At this difficult time for us all, we’re determined to do everything we can to support the remarkable staff at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust who are leading the fight on the frontline in our community hospitals, mental health and learning disability units and in the community.

“In addition to the physical health implications of COVID-19, many of our patients and service users also have mental health or learning disability needs which are adversely affected by the fear, anxiety and uncertainty caused by coronavirus.”

The special relief fund has been set up to provide emergency funds to support our staff and to provide additional resources for patients currently in our care.

Your donation will help us to provide:

  • Dedicated ‘Wobble Rooms’ for when staff and volunteers need to take a break away from their workplace if they are feeling stressed or upset. The rooms will be stocked with relaxation and mindfulness resources to help them to cope with the extraordinary demands they are facing each day
  • Free hot drinks, bottled cold drinks and nutritious snacks
  • Hand creams and body creams for staff who are washing their hands frequently and wearing personal protective clothing for long periods of time
  • Single use activities for patients in our care to reduce the risk of spreading infection, while providing a way to help manage their increased anxiety

Gemma added: “We have been overwhelmed with support for the NHS expressed by the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland in the past few weeks.

“It really means a great deal to every one of us.”

To support the appeal, please go to: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/LPTCOVID19?utm_term=NzDqkdXNm .