Hywel Dda Health Charities has launched a Christmas Appeal to support Older Adult Mental Health Services in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

The Give a Gift Appeal aims to make this year’s Christmas an extra special one for Older Adult Mental Health patients who will spend the festive period in hospital. The appeal encourages the public to log on to a ‘Wish List’ on amazon.co.uk and buy a gift to support the mental health services. The Wish List can be found by searching for Hywel Dda on Amazon and includes a wide range of gifts available to purchase ranging from £1 to £50.

Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Older Adult Mental Health teams care for patients in a safe and supportive environment. The teams have carefully chosen the items on Amazon that will be of most benefit to their patients. Items include arts and crafts materials, toys and games, jigsaws and books suitable for dementia and older adult mental health patients.

Kristin Jordan, ward manager at St. Non in Withybush, said: “The gifts purchased from the Give a Gift appeal will make a real difference to our patients. Most of our patients suffer from dementia, depression and anxiety and although there isn’t a cure for dementia, stimulation and engaging in activities such as games, jigsaws, arts and crafts and books can make a huge difference. We are truly grateful for every gift that we receive.”

Sarah Jennings, director of governance, communications and engagement, said: “We are delighted to launch our Give a Gift Appeal for the second year running with the aim of making Christmas extra special for our Older Adult Mental Health patients. Each gift purchased will provide our staff with valuable additional resources for meaningful therapeutic activities and engagement sessions on our mental health wards.”

All three counties will benefit from the appeal, with gifts being distributed to Enlli Ward at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth, Bryngolau Ward at Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli and St. Non’s Ward at Withybush Hospital, Pembrokeshire.

Hywel Dda Health Charities is a registered charity which supports patients, staff and services within Hywel Dda Local University Health Board.