This festive season, Raising Health, the registered charity for Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT), is calling on local people and businesses across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to help bring comfort and cheer to patients spending Christmas in hospital through the annual “Raising a Smile” appeal.

More than 600 patients are expected to be staying in LPT’s community hospitals and mental health wards on 25 December. They may be far from home, and some will have no visitors; others may be facing the festive season during one of the toughest periods of their lives.

With the support of the local community, the Raising Health team brings the magic of Christmas directly to patients who will spend the season away from the comfort of their homes and loved ones by providing them with a gift to open on Christmas Day.

The gift they receive through this appeal may be the only one they open this year.

With the support of dedicated staff, volunteers, and donors, the initiative transforms wards into places of warmth, joy, and celebration, ensuring no one feels forgotten.

The Raising Health team invites companies and individuals to support patients in one of the following ways:

  • Online donations: https://lptnhs.com/RaiseASmile
  • Fundraising: Turn your festive activities into a fundraiser and donate towards the appeal.
  • Sponsor the “Christmas Tree” competition: For businesses looking to make an even greater impact, there’s an opportunity to sponsor a special Christmas Tree competition within LPT’s inpatient units. This friendly contest fosters patient engagement and brings purpose to those facing health challenges.

Faisal Hussain, chair of Raising Health and Group Interim Chair of LPT, said: “For many of our patients Christmas can heighten feelings of isolation. Even a simple gift can break through that loneliness.

“We want to offer all our inpatients, across our community hospitals and mental health wards, a small present to show that we – and the local community – are thinking about each and every one of them.

“We are asking anyone who can afford to donate to do so if they can. No matter how small, your generosity will help brighten up someone’s Christmas morning.”

Last year’s appeal demonstrated the extraordinary difference this initiative makes with 600 presents delivered across 37 inpatient units. Contributions totalled to nearly £20,000, including gifts-in-kind and financial donations.

This year, the Raising Health charity hopes to build on that success and create even more magical moments. By donating, fundraising, or sponsoring, supporters can help make a powerful impact.

To support the “Raising a Smile” appeal, please visit https://lptnhs.com/RaiseASmile  or contact the team: lpt.raisinghealth@nhs.net.