The Welfare team in Forensic services noticed that some patients struggled to afford even basic everyday essentials such as shampoo, deodorant, shower gel, seasonal clothing, or a new pair of trainers. Even simple pleasures, such as buying an ice cream during a day trip or enjoying a snack while out on escorted leave, were often beyond their reach.
The Welfare Department approached the ELFT Charity to request funding for a special birthday initiative. Whilst the majority of inpatients receive benefits, some do not have access to public finds. The charity responded by providing £25 gift vouchers for these patients.
The vouchers were presented as birthday gifts alongside a birthday card. While modest in value, they had a remarkable impact on the recipients. The feedback received from staff and patients highlights the joy they felt and showed just how meaningful this gesture has been:
- “We presented Joe with his voucher as part of his birthday celebration. He said he felt genuinely appreciated and cared for – it was a lovely gesture that meant a lot to him.”
- “Aaron was surprised to receive the birthday gift voucher from you yesterday. He said, "This is a good thing. I thought we were never going to get birthday gifts or celebrations like having snacks, cakes and drinks because of cutbacks. The voucher is the best thing because we get to choose what we can get".
- “We presented Ali with a £25 voucher to celebrate his birthday yesterday and he was visibly elated by the pleasant surprise. He wanted to personally say 'thank you.' On behalf of the entire ward team, too, I would like to say thank you."
- “William was thrilled and very appreciative of the gift. He was genuinely pleased by the kind gesture, and it was lovely to see how much it meant to him. Thank you again for your thoughtfulness and for your continued support.”
- “Thank you for the £25 gift voucher for Darren’s birthday. We truly appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness. Darren was able to use the voucher yesterday to order a pair of trainers, and he was delighted with the gift. It really made his birthday feel special, and it meant a lot to him.”
This initiative demonstrates how even a small act of kindness can have a significant impact on wellbeing, self-esteem, and recovery. By giving patients, the opportunity to choose something for themselves, the vouchers provided not only practical support but also a sense of independence, dignity, and inclusion.
Reflecting on the success of this charitable project, Gita Patni, Welfare Rights & Recovery Lead at the John Howard Centre, expressed her appreciation: “I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the ELFT Charity for your continued support and encouragement. The vouchers have made a meaningful difference to our forensic service users.”
Through this simple yet thoughtful initiative, the ELFT Charity has shown that sometimes the smallest intiatives can have a big impact, helping patients feel valued, remembered, and celebrated on their special day.
Everyone should feel special on their birthday!
*Patient's names have been changed
You can make a donation to the charity via our JustGiving page here
Find out more about the ELFT Charity here