Get ready for a day of joy and creativity as East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) invites the community to support its Power of Play Appeal during the nation’s annual Playday celebration on Wednesday, 7 August!
Playday is a nationwide event that highlights the essential role of play in a child’s life, celebrated every first Wednesday in August. This year’s theme focuses on the culture of childhood—supporting play, fun, and friendships.
Play is crucial for a child’s health, happiness, and creativity, encouraging teamwork and relationship-building. At ELHT, we believe that every child has the right to play every day, even when they are in the hospital.
"Play is vital in developing a child’s emotional, social, cognitive, creative, and physical development," explains Nina Thornhill, Play Specialist on the Children’s Assessment Unit and Blood Clinic at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital. "For many children and young people, a hospital visit or stay can be daunting slightly scary and in some cases lonely. Play in hospital helps them feel happier, less stressed, and more resilient, making it easier to cope with treatments and procedures."
Our dedicated Play Team is on hand to makes sure every child and young person, along with their parents or carers, has the best possible experience during their hospital stay.
Thanks to ELHT’s charity, ELHT&Me, patients can enjoy a variety of age-appropriate activities like board games, paints, and Xbox games, transforming their hospital experience into a fun and positive one. These much needed activities are available at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, Burnley General Teaching Hospital, Outpatients Departments, and the Assessment Unit.
"Our Power of Play Appeal is crucial in promoting the incredible work of our Play Team," says Denise Gee, Head of Charity. "Every donation, big or small, is very much appreciated and helps make a child’s or young patient’s hospital visit smoother, more welcoming, and enjoyable."
To celebrate Playday, our Play Team has planned a series of exciting activities, including visits from Elmore, the ELHT&Me mascot, and Alfie, the Trust’s therapy dog.
Show your support and bring smiles to young patients faces by donating to the Power of Play Appeal. Visit The Power of Play Appeal - JustGiving to contribute.
Join the conversation with #Playday2024 and #PlayAndCulture. Let's make this Playday the best one yet!