Staff at St Hugh’s Hospital in Grimsby have committed to supporting three local charities throughout December including Friendship at Home, Harbour Place and Women’s Aid.

Over the next three weeks they will be collecting money, useful items and Christmas gifts which will be donated to each of the three charities to support those in need over the festive period.

Ashley Brown, Hospital Director at St Hugh’s, said: “We’ve selected charities which mean a lot to our staff and are doing fantastic work by providing crucial support for vulnerable people during a time that is joyous for many but difficult for some.

“As a not-for-profit organisation, we have a long-standing history of supporting other third sector organisations, and this year it feels more important than ever to support the local charities which are working tirelessly to support our community.”

Friendship at Home is an organisation which provides befriending and support for older people across North East Lincolnshire to help combat isolation and loneliness through companionship, clubs, exercise classes and independent living activities.

Owing to the COVID-19 restrictions the charity is unable to hold its annual Christmas party and lunch this year. Instead, the staff will be delivering Christmas afternoon teas to over 600 of its members to help make their Christmas special.

The charity recently set a fundraising target of £2,000 via its JustGiving page to ensure its team could deliver an afternoon tea to all the older people they look after.

St Hugh’s has a long-standing relationship with the charity and has provided funding for two of the team’s dementia specialists since 2017. After hearing about the charity’s latest appeal, St Hugh’s decided to step in and help the charity to reach its target.

To encourage donations amongst hospital staff, a luxury £100 Christmas hamper has been purchased for a raffle and a collection tin has been placed on the hospital’s reception desk.

Ashley added: “The team are now only £300 away from reaching their target, and while all the staff will be donating we would encourage the public to donate any amount they can to this appeal and help make this Christmas a memorable one for the older members of our community.”

Harbour Place was set up 25 years ago as a day centre for homeless people and it launched the first night centre facility in Grimsby two years ago at its premises on Hope Street, providing overnight accommodation and an outreach service.

This December St Hugh’s hospital staff are helping the charity collect items for individuals attending the night shelter, including hoodies and joggers in medium and large sizes, as well as festive treats including sweets, chocolates, selection boxes, biscuits and cans of soft drinks.

North East Lincolnshire Women’s Aid provides support, accommodation and advice for women, men and children who are experiencing or who have experienced domestic abuse in North East Lincolnshire.

To help the charity with its Refuge Christmas appeal, St Hugh’s is donating items which will be gifted to mums and children as tailored Christmas Santa sacks. St Hugh’s will focus on donating gift items specifically for teenagers and mums which is something the charity is short on this year.

Ashley added: “This year has posed significant challenges for our fundraising efforts, but we hope to spread a little festive joy and raise awareness of the ways in which these worthy charities can be supported in a safe manner.”

To find out more about Friendship at Home or their Christmas afternoon tea appeal, visit the website, follow the charity on Facebook or donate via their JustGiving page.

To find out more about Harbour Place or how to donate items for their latest appeal, visit the website or follow the charity on Twitter.

To find out more about North East Lincolnshire Women’s Aid and their Refuge Christmas appeal, visit the website or follow the charity on Facebook.