Overgate Hospice delivers Keep Busy Boxes to those in need

These boxes are packed full of creative ways to keep busy whilst at home. Each box has been personalised to the patient depending on their interests and have been offered, free of charge, to all of the local people who are currently under the care of Overgate’s Day Hospice.

These have been created thanks to the funding from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund, who have provided the grant needed to purchase all the items included in the boxes.

Overgate identified that the usual activities patients would enjoy at Day Hospice weren’t possible as they had limited resources in their homes and different patients enjoy different activities so the Keep Busy Boxes was born.

Tracey Wilcocks, Clinical Director at the Hospice, said: “Whilst we continue to provide support to these people through weekly Zoom sessions, we wanted to do more for those in our community who are continuing to live with a life-limiting illness and suffering additional isolation and anxiety during the pandemic. We would like to extend our thanks to the Government and to The National lottery for making this possible.”

Naomi Shuttleworth, Activities Coordinator, said: “Engaging in a variety of activities can help to boost confidence, reduce anxiety and stress, and increase happiness; we hope that these boxes will go a little way to helping our patients in this way. It has been so lovely to see the smiles on everyone’s faces as we have delivered their boxes.”

Pauline Bull from Elland, a patient at Overgate’s Day Hospice, is living with Multiple Sclerosis, and during lockdown has been unable to attend any of the groups she would usually go to.

She said: “Being stuck in is difficult for me but being able to continue to keep busy with things I enjoy such as painting and crafts, really helps to break the time up. 2020 has been a tough year for so many of us but I am so grateful that Overgate has been able to provide their vital services to people like me.”

Overgate Hospice is inviting people in Calderdale to join them for a virtual Light Up A  life service on December 13 at 6pm.

The campaign invites the community to make a dedication in memory of a loved one in the form of a light on the Hospice tree. Each dedication made is remembered in the online book of memories on the website and supporters are sent an at home pack which includes a candle, card, order of service and a tag to write a personal message on and to attach to your tree at home.

Overgate Hospice’s Senior Fundraiser Claire Howard said: “Light up a Life services are always such beautiful events; very emotional but comforting.
“We are so sad that we are unable to gather together like we usually would but we hope our virtual service will bring some peace and comfort for those missing their loved ones this year.”

Light up a Life has already raised over £18,000 for the Hospice.

Dedications can still be made by visiting www.overgatehospice.org.uk or calling 01422 387121.