Pictured: (left to right): Trefoil Guild members Helen Plummer, Irene Whittaker, Christine Jackson, Gill Feely and Barbara Davis
Family members and carers visiting critically ill loved ones at the Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital can gain comfort thanks to a caring initiative by Lancashire East County Trefoil Guild.
Inspired by Guild members across Pennine Lancashire, the local group has provided more than 60 comfort packs containing a selection of toiletries for use by relatives who choose to stay in hospital to support critically ill loved ones, some of whom are nearing the end of their lives.
And last week Guild members Helen Plummer, Irene Whittaker, Christine Jackson, Gill Feely and Barbara Davis visited the Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital to personally hand over their comfort bags to Bereavement Care Senior Nurse, Erin Bolton.
“When someone stays in hospital overnight with a family member or close friend, the last thing they need first thing in the morning is worrying about having a wash and brush up before preparing themselves to face a difficult day ahead.”
In Trefoil Guild, women and men aged 18+ make new friends, travel, explore, serve their communities and carry the spirit of Guiding (and Scouting) across the UK and around the world.
“I heard about the ‘comfort bag’ idea at a regional meeting where our colleagues were creating bags for a hospital in Manchester,” said the Chair of the Lancashire County Trefoil Guild, Gill Feely.
“As soon as the ladies heard about the idea, they wanted to do something for their local hospital and got to work immediately.
“Trefoil Guild members want to help communities and families whose lives have met with adversity and we hope our bags bring people comfort at a very difficult time.”
Trefoil Guild comfort packs can also be used to families in other situations, as well as inpatients who arrive in hospital with no personal toiletries.
“Thanks to the Trefoil Guild, lots of patients and families will benefit from a comfort bag at a very tough time in their life,” added Erin Bolton.