Moments that matter: Enhancing patient wellbeing at Walkergate Park

Thanks to funding from the SHINE fund, patients at the STARRT Centre in the North locality are enjoying a wide range of engaging, therapeutic, and recovery-focused activities—ranging from community outings to creative sessions and festive events.

Kirstin Hope, Staff Nurse at the STARRT Centre, applied to SHINE to support meaningful group activities that promote social connection, confidence, and enjoyment among patients. The funding helps cover costs for local outings to places like Jesmond Dene, The Baltic Flour Mill, and the North East coast, as well as entry fees and refreshments at local cafés. These trips provide valuable time outside the hospital environment, encouraging social interaction and a sense of normality, which are crucial for mental health and recovery.

Beyond outings, the SHINE fund also supports a variety of in-house sessions. Funds have been used to purchase materials for crafting groups, ingredients for baking and breakfast groups, and beauty products for pamper sessions. The team also runs bingo groups with prizes, and stocks a hospital trolley with puzzle books, toiletries, and games—all made possible by SHINE support.

These groups instil our patients with confidence, joy, and social interaction, which is so important to their wellbeing and has a profound effect on their recovery

Kirsten Hope

The team has also used previous funding to bring a local pantomime into the centre at Christmas, spreading festive cheer to patients and staff alike. Recognising the impact of these activities, the team is committed to giving back—organising fundraising events like their summer fair to help replenish the SHINE fund for others to benefit from.

Kirsten also added “Without the SHINE fund, none of our activities would be possible. It’s value is key in helping our patients fulfil their goals and make the most of their hospital experience.”