An initiative called ‘Box of Tricks’ is set to bring much needed joy, inspiration and increased mobility to patients of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.

It follows the success of another patient support project in the summer – ‘Bags of Kindness’ – which gave a range of goodies and at-home support items to help some of the most vulnerable people in the community through lockdown.

Box of Tricks is funded through Sport England’s £210m support package to help physical activity levels during Covid-19.

Sport England is working with Active Dorset to focus on reaching inactive people and under-represented groups.

Claire Warren, Lewis-Manning’s Trusts Fundraiser, said, “Because patients cannot come into our hospice to access our usual day care services, due to Covid-19, we know that some patients have really suffered with reduced mobility, loneliness and the motivation to carry on and achieve day-to-day activities.

“We are always looking for new ways to help our patients and the items included in our ‘Box of Tricks’ have been carefully thought through and designed by the clinical nursing team, with the overriding goal of improving our patients’ physical and mental agility.”

Ruth Wright, Area Fundraiser, said: “We have 65 Boxes of Tricks which will be delivered directly to our patients in their homes from a safe and social distance.

“Over the coming weeks they will receive a further three deliveries of special items to add to their boxes and help them in these difficult times.

“Items include an activity booklet created by Active Dorset, specifically aimed at patients with life-limiting illness, highlighting achievable exercises for them to take part in their homes to increase their movement.

“There is a stress ball to increase hand dexterity, an adult colouring book donated by The Works, felt tip pens, chocolates, Jimmy’s Iced Coffee, and cakes donated by Tesco, a hospice newsletter and a poem written by one of our wonderful volunteers.

“The eye-catching boxes have been printed and built for us by Nunet, a local Dorset-based manufacturer of bespoke ring binders, folders, presentation boxes and ticket wallets.

“We are delighted by the generosity shown by local companies, especially during this difficult time.

“The interest and support that we have received for this project is quite amazing.

“Despite Covid-19, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is still actively supporting and communicating with our patients every week and it is great to be able to think outside the box, find out specifically what challenges our patients are facing right now and create an inspiring and fun way to combat those challenges.

“The boxes will be delivered by our healthcare assistants and our volunteers, so that each patient receives a friendly and well-known face at their doors.”

• Lewis-Manning would love to hear from any organisations, companies and individuals who would like to support and help with future boxes or initiatives.  Simply go to lewis-manning.org.uk/company-support or email fundraisingteam@lewis-manning.org.uk.