South London and Maudsley launches ‘Project Elf’ Christmas toy appeal
This appeal can make a genuine difference to families by reducing stress and feelings of guilt at Christmas.
Our partners, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust is appealing for people to donate new toys or books (without needing batteries please) which are suitable for children aged up to ten years old. But also welcome presents for teenagers.
The Parental Mental Health team, who work with some of the most vulnerable families in Southwark, aim to provide Christmas presents for all the children of the families open to the team, including older siblings.
Southwark Adult mental health child safeguarding manager, Jemma Lockett said: “Christmas can be a challenging time for families, especially those who are on a low income, and this year it will be even harder. We know this appeal can make a genuine difference to families by reducing stress and feelings of guilt at Christmas as well as providing some joy and excitement and enabling families to have fun together’
The parental mental health team is a nurse-led service, which provides help and support for parents who have children under five and are experiencing distress with their mental health. They aim to promote positive parenting and minimise the impact a parent’s mental health difficulties may have on their children.
The team supports parents with a range of mental health problems and they often work jointly with other community teams and children’s services. This service is available for any Southwark parent and service-users are referred from a variety of different health services.
Please send donations by Tuesday 18th December to:
Parental Mental Health Team Christmas Appeal,
General Office,
Maudsley Hospital,
Denmark Hill,
London,
SE5 8AZ
For more information about the appeal or about referrals to the team, please contact Jemma Lockett jemma.lockett@slam.nhs.uk or Kate Tidnam: kate.tidnam@slam.nhs.uk