Pupils at Cliff Park Ormiston Academy in Gorleston have visited to hand over dozens of gifts, supplied by Football Against Dementia CIC, for patients with dementia and learning disabilities who may have to spend the Christmas period in our hospital.
An academy-wide collection of gifts resulted in 20 stockings full of presents being collected, ten of which were presented to some of our team earlier today. The other ten are being given to local people in need within our community.
Each stocking contains a selection of gifts which will now be passed on to patients at our hospital. In addition to those with dementia and learning disabilities the presents are also likely to be shared with veteran patients, with distribution via our safeguarding team and Armed Forces Advocate.
The academy, virtually opposite our hospital, wanted to do something to support our patients and, after advice from one pupil whose mum works here, they decided it would be good to support older patients.
Louise Carroll, the Careers Leader and #WeWillCare Lead at the academy, said; “The collection of presents for the stockings is part of the work we’ve been doing around social action and is part of the #WeWillCare Project and the Christmas Stocking Campaign. It’s been a real team effort across the school over the past few weeks, with pupils, staff and families donating presents for the stockings.”
Marie Denby, Learning Disability and Autism Specialist Safeguarding Practitioner at the James Paget who, along with colleagues, received the gifts, said; “The stockings are amazing and we’re grateful to everyone who has contributed. These will help brighten up Christmas for so many of our patients.”
Thank you to everyone at Cliff Park Ormiston Academy for your kind and thoughtful gifts – they are very much appreciated.