Activity volunteers

Listening to music, watching films, afternoon tea parties and reminiscence activities.

Bingo, Card games, Table games – Dominos, Chess, Jigsaws, Word and number games.

Use balloons, balls, quoits / hoopla, skittles, seated yoga.

Facilitating a variety of art, craft and creative activities.

The research around the benefits of providing a variety of activities to patients staying in hospital is growing exponentially.

Some of the documented benefits of the provision of activities to patients are:

Physical 

• Appetite increases
• The immune system becomes more efficient
• Sleep pattern and quality improves
• Bowel function and urinary incontinence improves
• Reduction in falls and Improvements to mobility, balance, and coordination.
• Skin less likely to break down and the risk of pressure sores decreases
• Respiratory disorders decrease as blood circulation improves and stimulates more efficient breathing
• Blood pressure and the potential for thrombosis and embolism diminishes
• Improvements in general fitness levels

Social 

• Forming of new friendships and often enables the individual to find it easier to initiate and engage socially
• Peoples sense of wellbeing and their self-esteem increase
• Reduces the individuals boredom and isolation

Psychological

• Smiling, laughing, increase in talking
• Improved sense of wellbeing including the person’s perception of their health and their self-esteem
• Agitation diminishes and relaxation increases
• Concentration and memory may improve

If you are able to spare a few hours during your week and would like to help us make a real difference to our patients and enhance their experience during their stay in hospital then please contact Christine Beard (Voluntary services manager) chrissie.beard@nhs.net.