NHS staff at Hopewood Park Hospital in Sunderland are inviting the local community to a fun-filled Summer Fair in August. Marking the 10-year anniversary of Hopewood Park opening, the fair will be raising money for the hospital’s charity.
The fair will take place from 11am – 3pm on Saturday 24 August, at The Barton Centre within Hopewood Park Hospital, Ryhope. The fair celebrates 10 years since the hospital was opened.
Rachel Lowe, one of the staff who has helped to organise the fair, said:
“There will be exciting activities for the whole family, with old-school favourites like ‘beat the goalie’ and ‘hook a duck’, and a raffle and tombola with some great prizes from local businesses.
“People can also visit our on-site garden centre, where you can buy plants grown right here at Hopewood Park by our Rehabilitation Gardening project.
“People will also be able to meet different teams from the hospital including Peer Supporters, the Patient and Carer Involvement Team, Occupational Therapists, and other local services – including a real-life fire engine!
“And of course, there will be plenty of delicious food to help you refuel.”
All funds raised on the stalls and games will go to the SHINE fund, part of the official charity of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (which runs Hopewood Park hospital).
Rachel, who works as a Peer Supporter at the hospital, explained, “SHINE helps us to provide ‘little extras’ which make a big difference to people’s care, treatment or rehabilitation, such as therapeutic activities or items of comfort. The money we raise at the Fair will make a huge difference to the experience of people who are cared for in our hospitals and community services.”
Some of the things the Trust has recently been able to provide thanks to people’s generous donations to SHINE include outdoor sports equipment, digital reminiscence therapy systems for patients with dementia, and music centres, bean bags and other equipment for ‘chill out rooms’ in several wards.