From hairbrushes to footballs - Sheffield NHS is asking for donations for well-being appeal

It has specifically asked for donations of toiletries, art supplies, gardening equipment and footballs.

Under normal circumstances, patients would normally be able to go out to get the items themselves, but as a result of current isolation and lockdown restrictions, this is not possible.

A spokesperson said: “This means that they are going without items that provide access to therapeutic activities and support their well-being and mental health.

“We are appealing to the communities and businesses of Sheffield to help support people staying on our wards right now.”

Due to strict infection prevention rules, any donated items must be new and unopened.

Acceptable toiletry items include: toiletry bags or boxes, nail brushes, hair brushes, hair combs, face flannels, shampoo and conditioner, bubble bath or bath bombs, and face masks.

Sachets of hot chocolate have also been requested.

It is hoped that products will be used to make ‘self soothing toiletry bags for our service users to help make their stay with us as comfortable as possible’.

Accepted art items include: art paper, drawing paper, canvases, notelets, writing sets, and boxes of cards.

Giving patients the ability to draw and paint is said to be a good way of practising mindfulness.

Notelets and cards would also provide a way for individuals to keep in touch with family and friends - currently, letters and video are the only ways contact can be made with loved ones.

Accepted gardening items include: garden plants, compost and plastic gardening tools.

Gardening is another activity that service users enjoy and something that is considered therapeutic to many.

Footballs are also in request, so patients can get some form of physical exercise.

For any individuals or businesses wishing to get involved, donations can be dropped off, from 8am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, at: Unit 1-2, President Park, President Way, S4 7UR.

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