The opening of a new community café at Old Goodmayes Hospital marked not only an expansion of on-site facilities but also gave staff the opportunity to take part in fundraising for the NELFT NHS Charity.

The new café, located on the ground floor of the new Trust head office, was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting led by colleagues from the established café at Sunflower’s Court. The launch was celebrated with balloons and pastries, as the site welcomed another space for staff to spend time together.

Alongside the café opening, it was a day of fundraising for the NELFT NHS Charity, which raised £200 through a prize draw. Staff were invited to take part in a “guess the number of NELFT badges in the jar” competition. The activity offered a simple way to support the charity, with prizes including five coffees for the winner and a second prize of a lunch at the café.

The funds raised will go directly towards supporting the charity’s work across NELFT services, providing additional comforts for patients, service users and their families. This includes initiatives such as funding Christmas presents for children on wards over the festive period, helping to bring the joy of Christmas to patients, during what can be a difficult time for young patients and their families.

The NELFT NHS Charity continues to focus on improving experiences across services through small interventions that make a real difference to wellbeing and recovery. Contributions such as those raised at the café opening play an important role in enabling these activities to continue.

Sam Puleston, Head of Communications and Charitable funds said:

“It’s been amazing to see so much support for our fundraiser. Every pound raised really does make a difference for patients and their families. We’re always keen to get more colleagues involved in fundraising for the NELFT NHS Charity - whether that’s baking cakes or taking on a 10k challenge - if you’d like to fundraise, please get in touch!”

The café opening therefore served a dual purpose: celebrating a new community space, while also strengthening support for NELFT NHS Charity’s ongoing work to improve the everyday lives of patients, service users and families across the organisation.

To find out how you can support the charity or register your interest in volunteering, please visit: How you can support the NELFT NHS Charity or contact charity@nelft.nhs.uk .