Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is teaming up with the Salvation Army and Co-op stores to help local vulnerable people this Christmas.
The Trust is asking staff and the public to donate food at their next event on Tuesday, December 13 at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, or to leave items outside the Patient Relations office on the mezzanine in the main entrance.
In addition, the Co-op are making provision for food to be donated at two of their Blackpool stores and are providing additional items to make up food packs.
The packs, which will consist of items with a good shelf like such as tinned food and pasta, will be handed out to Trust patients at Blackpool Victoria and Clifton Hospital who are discharged over Christmas and New Year and may have difficulty buying groceries.
Food will also be donated to the Salvation Army’s Bridge Project that helps and supports the most vulnerable in the local community.
Whether buying two for one offers or popping to one of the shops in the hospital, it is really easy to help those in need the Christmas.
The next event will have a very Christmassy theme and also in attendance with be the local police and fire service as well as Age UK, the Samaritans, and the Mental Health Helpline.
Leading the campaign is the Trust’s Head of Patient Experience, Andrew Heath. He said: “It is fantastic that we are able to once more support the Salvation Army Bridge project.
“Last year we had a massive response from staff and visitors alike and I hope that by having an extra day this year and working with the Co-op, we are able to provide even more help.”
Last year, 25 packs of food were given to patients who the nursing staff felt might struggle to go shopping over the festive period.
This year, the Co-op’s added donated items of long-life milk and biscuits will really help the cause.
The Co-op’s area manager, Zoe Holden, said: “Our customers are always keen to support local causes and we’re sure that they’ll be eager to donate essential food items whilst in store this December.”
Beverley Taylor, Bridge Project Manager, said: “Our emergency food parcels will help support people who for whatever reason may need this provision especially over the Christmas period.”
Food can be donated at Co-op, Coastal House, 9 Abingdon St, Blackpool FY1 1DG and Co-op, 108 Normoss Road, Normoss FY3 8QP until December 18.