Kent Minds charity has donated £2,500 to the Hope Box Initiative, a box given to children who come to our emergency department with mental health difficulties.
The health play specialists in the paediatric emergency department at QEQM created a ‘hope box’, inspired by suicide prevention charity Papyrus.
Items in the box were initially funded by East Kent Hospitals Charity and it is designed to help children and young people who are upset, anxious or experiencing thoughts of suicide.
Health play specialist Lauren Clayson said: “The hope box is filled with things that can help children and young people feel better.
“We have included items to capture all five senses, such as stress balls, essential oils, hand cream, modelling clay, conversation cards and calming pictures.
“Children are welcome to take the items home with them as they can help with ongoing mental health difficulties. Not all children will have access to some of the things in our boxes so it’s a really nice way to help them both in the hospital and later at home.”
The donation from Kent Minds ensures that the hope boxes will stay replenished for a long time to come.
Arabella Maudsley from Kent Minds said: “The boxes are fantastic, I can really see how these would help anyone in a mental health crisis.
“It’s fantastic to see how our donation will continue an initiative that makes such a difference to children and their families during a difficult time.
“We’re a small charity, but we’re so glad that we’re able to help support paediatric mental health in one of our local hospitals.”
