Our charitable model is to raise money to fund worthwhile projects within AWP, and staff can apply for funding to turn their ideas into reality.

During the COVID pandemic, the majority of our funding came from the NHS Charities Together grants. The huge support from national fundraising efforts, including Captain Sir Tom Moore’s sponsored walk, helped fund some fantastic wellbeing projects to support staff and service users across the Trust. 

Charitable donations provide the support for the extra things that aren’t possible from the funding we receive from our statutory work.

Thanks to the fantastic efforts by our fundraisers, and our external grant funding, we are able to support projects like this.

The Sky Room at Elizabeth Casson House – Callington Road Hospital

At Callington Road Hospital, The Elizabeth Casson Ward plays host to a new Sky Room. Providing a calming environment that aids the therapeutic work that the team carry out for all service users, whatever their diagnosis.

With a weighted chair, projector, foot spa and liquid floor tiles, the Sky Room is fully equipped.

This was all made possible by funding from our charitable funds, or Headlight Charity.

One service user credited the room as ‘playing a significant role in my recovery’. It even inspired others to buy similar equipment for home to support their recovery. And now thanks to the generosity of the parents of our service user, we now have further items donated for the Sky Room for others to benefit from. 

So now any patients visiting The Sky Room can watch TV, DVDs and listen to music in their first language – which is both comforting and supportive.

Staff chill out rooms 

Our staff chill out areas across the Trust have been improved thanks to funding. These rooms now benefit from various items to boost the specific wellbeing needs of staff, including comfortable seating and coffee machines.

Gym equipment 

Funding has helped provide new gym equipment for different sites across the Trust. Case studies have shown us that physical and mental wellbeing can be greatly improved when staff have access to gym equipment, and regular exercise helps to reduce stress, anxiety and improve self-esteem. The equipment provides a focus, structure and goal to exercise, as well as increasing enjoyment and motivation. 

Christmas cheer 

Funds have helped Headlight provide extra festive sparkle to brighten the Christmas period for inpatients of the Trust. For example, service users at one of our hospitals have benefited from small gifts, festive food treats and décor thanks to funding. 

Amblescroft South Gardening Project 

Amblescroft South has been supporting more patients with functional illness, such as depression and psychosis. We recognise the benefits of nature for service users, which is why we have used funding to create a walled garden adjoining the main lounge area.