At Community Health Partnerships (CHP), we’re committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff while also recognising the value of giving back to others and the communities our buildings serve. This festive season, colleagues across the country have dedicated time to give back to their communities with over 20 colleagues volunteering a total of 188 hours throughout December.
Across the LIFT estate, many community events take place throughout the year, our Buildings at the Heart of the Community initiative aims to support community events, providing a safe and central place for staff, patients and members of the public. The NHS LIFT estate is designed to be in the heart of the communities they serve, supporting neighbourhoods not only through healthcare provision but community spaces and events.
Protecting Our Coasts
Rachel Stuart, Operations and Relationship Manager (ORM), swapped her desk for the dunes at Hightown Beach. Working alongside Sefton Council, Rachel spent her volunteering day tackling invasive buckthorn bushes to help local protected wildlife species including sand lizards and natterjack toads.
Supporting the Roma Community
Helen Richardson, Post Implementation System Manager, volunteered with The Lauda Project in Liverpool, a charity based at St Dunstan’s Parish Church next to CHP’s Picton Neighbourhood Health Centre. During their Christmas party, Helen helped distribute over 160 gifts to children from the local Roma community.
Festive Fun with a Purpose
Christmas spirit was in full swing at the South Liverpool Treatment Centre where ORM, Danielle Gann facilitated a vibrant “Elf Day.” Hosted by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, the event featured a raffle and cake sale. Beyond the smiles, the day had a serious mission, raising funds for Dementia UK and the Alzheimer’s Society.
Similarly, at Fareham Community Hospital, Christmas arrived early when Santa and his elf paid a special visit alongside ORM, Lee Williams. They joined the Friends of Fareham for a pop-up shop and raffle, raising money to support the work the Friends do for the local community year-round.
A Warm Welcome in Leeds
In Leeds, ORMs, Jennie Hennelly and Carol Jones, have turned site decoration into tradition. This year, they visited sites and decorated 12 Christmas trees, ensuring a warm, festive environment for every patient and staff member. To add a personal touch, they handed out chocolates and biscuits donated by themselves, Portfolio Manager, Rachael Carter, and partners at Community Ventures Leeds.
Mission Christmas: Delivering Joy
A collective effort took place on 16 December when 11 colleagues from the North West region volunteered together with gbpartnerships and Mitie to support the Cash for Kids Mission Christmas appeal.
The 25 person volunteering team spent the day packing gifts for disadvantaged children across Liverpool and North Wales. By the end of the day, 2000 children were guaranteed a gift for Christmas morning.
Find out more about Buildings at the Heart of the Community
CHP’s Buildings at the Heart of the Community initiative aims to encourage local community groups and charities to make the most of our buildings by enabling the use of space in our centres to host health and wellbeing related events.
