For many of us, Christmas is a time for family, warmth, and celebration. But for a number of patients spending the festive season in hospital, it can be a lonely and difficult experience. That’s why, once again this year, Brighterway – the dedicated charity of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – is working to bring a little extra joy to patients, service users, and staff through its heartwarming Christmas campaign.
Bringing festive cheer to hospital wards
In partnership with specialist gift supplier Colleaguebox, Brighterway has created a beautifully designed festive tote bag, packed with thoughtful and uplifting surprises. Each gift bag is carefully curated to spread joy, offer comfort, and remind patients that they are cared for.
Inside, patients will find a personalised Christmas card, chocolates, and a wash bag complete with handmade soaps, lip balm, and a cosy pair of socks. To provide entertainment and relaxation, the bags also include word searches, puzzles, and colouring books – small touches that can make a big difference during what can otherwise be a difficult time.
These gifts are a way of showing kindness, compassion, and connection, ensuring patients feel valued and remembered during the festive period. Compassion is one of the Trust’s CARE values – this is a clear example of how we are kind and put the needs of people first.
Adding sparkle across the Trust
Gift bags will begin making their way to wards during the first week of December, wrapped and ready for distribution. This ensures staff can easily share the festive magic with patients, creating moments of happiness and togetherness across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Why this campaign matters
For many patients, receiving a gift bag is a moment of light in what might otherwise be a challenging time. A simple pair of socks, a handwritten card, or a sweet treat can provide warmth, reassurance, and underpin how staff across the Trust strive to provide outstanding care to everyone.
Phil Pride, Charity Manager at Brighterway, explains: “We want to ensure our patients are the most important part of our Christmas celebration. These gifts are a small token to show we care and to bring a smile to faces across our Hampshire and Isle of Wight communities this Christmas.”
How you can help
This campaign wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of Brighterway’s supporters. With nearly a thousand patients spending Christmas in our hospitals, we’re aiming to raise £10,000 through the appeal – enough to make sure every single one of them receives a gift bag.
Every donation helps us create, pack, and deliver these festive bags, ensuring patients can experience a brighter Christmas.
By donating today, you’ll be helping to spread kindness, comfort, and festive cheer to people who need it most.
Together, we can transform Christmas for NHS patients, creating special memories and moments of joy when they are needed most.