Helpful Hugs helps families stay close at Raigmore Hospital
NHS Highland Charity would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Helpful Hugs CIC for their generous donation of £18,272 to support families at the Highland Children’s Unit at Raigmore Hospital.
This funding has provided sixteen new sleeper chairs, giving parents and carers a more comfortable way to rest while staying right beside their child during a hospital stay.
The total was raised with the support of local businesses, organisations and individuals across the community, people coming together to make a real, practical difference for families during a difficult time.
Inspired by lived experience
Helpful Hugs was created from personal experience. Co-founder Alix and her partner spent many nights by their daughter Hollie’s bedside at Raigmore. They know first-hand how important it is for parents to stay close, while also being able to rest.
They wanted to make that experience a little easier for other families. By funding lie-flat sleeper chairs, Helpful Hugs is helping parents and carers rest more comfortably, without having to leave their child’s side.
A meaningful difference for families
Fiona, Senior Charge Nurse at the Highland Children’s Unit, said the new chair beds will make a real difference to families supported on the ward.
“These new sleeper chairs are a wonderful addition to our family integrated care approach. We work closely with parents to encourage them to stay by their child’s bedside and be involved in their care, and having comfortable facilities makes such a difference, especially for mothers recovering after childbirth. Alongside our on-site facilities, including showers, the chairs help parents rest and bond with their babies and children while remaining close throughout their hospital stay.
Thank you again for your incredibly generous support. The chair beds will make a tremendous difference to so many families, providing much-needed comfort during what can often be a very difficult time.”
Thanks to Alix and Joanne from Helpful Hugs and the wider community, more families will be able to stay close, rest better and feel supported while their child receives care.
Support NHS Highland Charity
NHS Highland Charity supports projects that improve comfort, care and wellbeing for patients, families and staff across Highland and Argyll and Bute. If you would like to support work like this - through fundraising or a donation - we’d love to hear from you. Our team will help make sure your gift has the greatest possible impact and ensure donated items can be safely accepted for use on wards.