Words by Smiley Team
A leading NHS Foundation Trust has partnered with a charity to help bring smiles to children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.
Every child and their relatives at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust are now automatically invited to the Spread a Smile family and the partnership will allow smiles to be spread widely across the Trust’s hospitals.
The visits will be delivered in collaboration with the Trust’s official charity CW+, as part of their participatory Arts in Health programme to improve the hospital experience for patients and their families.
Children at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust will be invited to join weekly virtual group hospital visits from entertainers, take part in themed activity days that include key calendar hook events linked to Easter, Halloween and Christmas as well as receive surprise treat drops like ice cream on World Ice Cream Day.
Families of long-term patients will also be able to book one-on-one sessions with Spread a Smile’s wonderful entertainers and will also receive delivery of post-procedure treat boxes.
Lucy Jackson, Spread a Smile CEO, said: “We are thrilled to be able to name our 10th hospital trust partner, and that they have chosen us.
"A 10th partner is a real milestone for the charity, and we’re delighted it’s Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. All our hospital partnerships are special, and they allow us to work closely with hospital play teams to provide fun and entertainment to all the children and families receiving care, helping to distract from treatment, reduce anxieties, and increase emotional wellbeing.
"We are really looking forward to working together and putting some much-needed smiles on faces!”
DONATE: Support the work of Spread a Smile by donating to the charity.
VOLUNTEER: The charity is on the lookout for entertainers. Find out more.
