A NEW initiative is bringing much-needed joy, inspiration and increased mobility to hospice patients across East Dorset and Purbeck thanks to a local charity.

Box of Tricks, created by Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, include a range of goodies and at home support items to help some of the most vulnerable people in the community.

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

"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."

Box of Tricks was inspired by a previously successful patient support project, Bags of Kindness, which took place in the summer and was well received by many hospice patients.

Items in a Box of Tricks 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 also a stress ball to increase hand dexterity, an adult colouring book donated by The Works, felt tip pens, chocolates, Jimmy’s Iced Coffee, cakes donated by Tesco, a hospice newsletter and a poem written by one of the charity's volunteers.

Ruth said: "The eye-catching boxes have been printed and built for us by Nunet, a Dorset based manufacturer which makes bespoke ring binders, folders, presentation boxes and ticket wallets."

These goody boxes were funded through Sport England's £210m support package to help physical activity levels under Covid-19 restrictions.

Trust Fundraiser, Claire Warren 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."

If organisations, companies and individuals would like to support and help Lewis-Manning Hospice with future boxes or initiatives, contact fundraisingteam@lewis-manning.org.uk