Gosport patients and staff say acts of kindness from public have helped mental health

Gifts of baked goods, beauty products and crafts have brought joy to the staff and patients on Rose Ward at Gosport War Memorial Hospital.

Tracy Adams, a recovery worker on the ward, has described the effect of the public’s generosity in recent weeks as a ‘real boost to morale’ on the mental health ward.

She said: ‘We have had so many goodies and we are so thankful to all the companies and individuals that have sent in things from food, pizzas, hampers of beauty products and children have sent in drawings as well which has been lovely.

‘It has been a real boost to morale and had an uplifting effect on mental health for both patients and staff in what has been a challenging time. It has been a connection to the wider community and provided a real sense of belonging.’

The ward also received iPads from Southern Health NHS Trust so patients can see friends and family as visiting is currently restricted to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Tracy added: ‘The iPads have been amazing because it means patients can physically see their loved ones which has a positive effect on their mental health and our patients have told us how much it means to them.’

It comes as today marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Week.

Hosts of the week, the Mental Health Foundation, changed the theme from ‘sleep’ to ‘kindness’ in response to the outbreak.

Chief executive Mark Rowland said: ‘We want to use Mental Health Awareness Week to celebrate the thousands of acts of kindness that are so important to our mental health. And we want to start a discussion on the kind of society we want to shape as we emerge from this pandemic.

‘One thing we have seen all over the world is that kindness is prevailing in uncertain times, helping people to connect and communities to cope with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

‘The research shows that acts of kindness can help improve emotional wellbeing, whether we are giving or receiving it.’