YEOVIL NEWS: Support the hospital’s Special Sundays project

YEOVIL District Hospital is appealing for local people’s votes to help them secure £10,000 of community funding in a nationwide competition.

The award is being offered by the Aviva Community Fund, a national initiative which offers the chance to secure funding of up to £25,000 for community causes.

The Trust’s entry is called ‘Special Sundays’ and will offer older patients in the hospital the chance to participate in a variety of special activities and events, one Sunday every month. It falls within the ‘supporting the older generation’ funding category.

Janine Valentine, nurse consultant in dementia, said: “This project would mean so much to our older patients and mean that we could bring a bit of brightness and interest into their day.

“Encouraging someone with dementia to do something creative, some gentle exercise or take part in an activity helps them to realise their potential, which improves their self – esteem and reduces any feelings of loneliness.”

There are 20 prizes of £10,000 available across the UK. Voting for the competition is open until May 30, 2015.

Anyone in the UK is eligible to vote, and each person can vote up to 10 times. Voting is done via this unique link to the Aviva website https://community-fund.aviva.co.uk/voting/project/view/3023/, quoting the unique reference ‘Special Sundays’ and the number 3023.

Shirley Smith, chaplain at the hospital, added: “We know that being in hospital over the weekend can be hard for people and we want to try and make Sunday a bit more special.

“We’re hoping to offer art, music and movement activities, as well as an enhanced chaplaincy service – perhaps a special Sunday lunch or tea, or even some relaxation or meditation for those who want it.

“We would really appreciate as many people as possible voting for us and helping us to spread the word. With local support, we can help improve people’s stay in hospital by bringing a bit of the outside world to their bedside.”

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