There isn’t a person in the UK that doesn’t feel overwhelming gratitude for the heroism of the frontline workers of the NHS. At a time in which the world has found itself in the grip of a global pandemic, these men and women have put themselves directly in the front line; exposing themselves on a daily basis to people who have contracted the virus and dedicating themselves to saving their lives whenever possible.
Raising Smiles know more than many about the incredible role these people play. We speak to them regularly when arranging gifts for the children that they care for, and have experienced first hand, their dedication, courage and determination to care for people. When Covid-19 began to take its toll on the UK, we decided to expand our charity to be able to care not only for the children in UK hospitals, but also to offer support for those caring for them.
It is with great pride that we offer our support to those who selflessly do all they can to save our loved ones, and are so happy to give our supporters the opportunity to give something back to them.
PPE
Unfortunately, current hospital supplies are insufficient, and while we are reassured the government is doing everything it can, NHS workers on the frontline are risking themselves daily without adequate protection to care for sick patients. Being in direct contact with people who are infected with Covid-19, means that due to the very high communicability of the virus, they are subjected to considerable risks. Healthcare workers on the frontline without adequate PPE, is the equivalent of going to war without armour and protection.
So Raising Smiles is helping to provide frontline NHS staff with the equipment that they need to stay safe. Thousands of masks, gloves and visors will be purchased and sent to UK hospitals as a result of your kindness, giving frontline workers added safety and peace of mind while they are saving lives.
How will we do it?
The volunteers at Raising Smiles will be working with hospitals to enquire what it is that they need the most, then providing supplies through approved manufacturers of PPE and sending it directly to the hospitals. This will be paid for by your support, we do not receive any government funding and our team are volunteers who are not paid.
Mental Health Support
The intense daily stress of treating patients with Corvid-19 is regarded as comparable to being in a war zone. Fearing for your life, while saving the lives of others, brings pressures that most people have never experienced. It is inevitable that the mental health of many of our NHS staff will be affected. They are experiencing a conflict type situation and mental health support schemes will play a vital role in helping them to deal with the potentially long lasting impact of the pandemic.
As part of our commitment to supporting the NHS during these difficult times, Raising Smiles will be making donations to key mental health support schemes that will allow them to provide the much needed help that, unfortunately, many of our frontline NHS staff will need as they continue to put others first.
The psychological toll of Covid-19 on NHS staff is predicted to impact upon significant numbers of our heroes. Some will experience anxiety, distress, guilt and depression – we need to ensure that they have the help and support that they deserve.
How You are Helping
By supporting Raising Smiles, you will be enabling us to make a significant donation to organisations that are providing care and support to frontline NHS staff. This will enable any frontline staff and key workers that are experiencing issues to contact trained volunteers that will support their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
These services are paramount not only to the individuals concerned, but in the bigger picture, it will ensure that our frontline workers are able to cope with the immense pressure of saving us from the terrible threat of the pandemic.These services are paramount not only to the individuals concerned, but in the bigger picture, it will ensure that our frontline workers are able to cope with the immense pressure of saving us from the terrible threat of the pandemic.These services are paramount not only to the individuals concerned, but in the bigger picture, it will ensure that our frontline workers are able to cope with the immense pressure of saving us from the terrible threat of the pandemic.
Helping our precious
NHS frontline
Raising Smiles has always been about doing exactly that – making people smile! Whilst we will of course continue to support children in hospital to provide them with the things that can help them through disease, illness or injury; we are so pleased to be able to help our precious NHS frontline staff to cope with the current situation, and to enjoy some well earned smiles themselves.
