Christmas comes early to young people’s mental health unit
Our child and adolescent mental health unit has once again been supported by a national charity, who provides gifts for our inpatients. The Sowenna unit, which opened in 2018, provides inpatient mental health treatment for young people aged 13 to 18 years of age.
Being in hospital can be difficult at any time of the year but can feel even more isolating at Christmas. Christmas for CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health services) is a registered charity that provides special Christmas gifts every year for children and young people who are inpatients in child and adolescent mental health wards and units across the UK over the holiday period.
“Christmas was very challenging earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic, where decorations were limited, visiting was restricted, and all staff were having to wear masks. The presents provided by Christmas for CAMHS brought a much-needed boost for our young people, showing them that they matter, and they too deserve to feel joy at Christmas.” Alicia Morse, Deputy Ward Manager at Sowenna
Christmas for CAMHS was originally set up because volunteers saw a huge gap in the way CAMHS units were treated over the festive period compared to other NHS services for children and young people. They wanted to do something to change that.
“The charity made contact with us to ask what types of gifts would be best suited to our patients” explains Alicia. “They think carefully about what gifts would be age-appropriate, safe, and what will bring joy to the young people we work with. This year, we received a fantastic selection of gifts, including, face masks, fluffy socks, and journals, as well as Christmas-themed activities and decorations for the ward.”
Each year, the charity aims to raise £10,000 to buy gifts for CAMHS wards all over the country, including the Sowenna unit. “Ro and their team of Christmas helpers do incredible work throughout the year by fundraising and campaigning, and then buying gifts, packing and sending them to us in time for Christmas” adds Alicia.
As well as sending gifts to each of the young people on the ward, Christmas for CAMHS also sends a present for the whole ward to enjoy. “Last year, our young people were playing a lot of football, so they sent us a new ball for the ward. This year we received a jewellery making kit which the young people will enjoy using with us”, said Alicia.
“It’s incredibly important that young people receiving inpatient mental health care over the festive season do not feel forgotten. It can be such a difficult time of year to be in hospital. We love spreading Christmassy magic and we really hope the young people on Sowenna love their chosen gifts. Thank you to all our supporters for helping to make their Christmas special.” Jessica Boatright, Project Coordinator at Christmas for CAMHS
In 2021, the Christmas For CAMHS sent 1,543 individual gifts, as well as 26 additional gifts for young people in need, in addition to small sensory toys, decorations, advent calendars, and activities to 137 wards across the country.