The team decided earlier this year to actively spread Christmas joy by fundraising. To do this, they introduced a light-hearted fining system for small acts like being late to a meeting. What started as a small pot grew swiftly because of the further donations of the greater staff across ELFT who shared their charity dream (a big thanks to all!). The £500 donation will be used to support a kitchen run for the patients at the Centre and items that bring comfort to those with dementia.
Outside of the monetary gifts, the team swapped dashboards for microphones this Christmas for a fun evening of carolling and dancing on the afternoon of Friday 19 December. The team spoke with the patients and reported that listening to the stories of a retired ballet dancer and a doctor who had completed years of service at the NHS was refreshing.
Support care staff, who devote their services daily, were supported by the data and analytics team who helped serve replenishment and snacks. The team continued the festivities through carolling and dancing with the patients to heighten the Christmas spirit present in the room. Before long, they were singing Christmas duets, and the patients who had seemed reserved at first were beaming, clapping along, and joining in.
