Small Acts of Friendship
Small Acts of Friendship is a unique programme that improves the wellbeing of inpatients across our hospitals. In its sixth year of operation, My University Hospitals Sussex is committed to ensuring the programme continues to grow and benefit more patients.
Offering personal services, therapies and activities through comfort, connection and therapeutic touch, Small Acts of Friendship supports patients’ emotional state, sense of dignity and self-expression whilst in hospital. It also helps with preparation for transition back home to the community, mobility and social activity – providing a safe space for patients to interact, form friendships and share similar experiences.
From haircuts and reflexology to music sessions and art therapy, the acts of friendship are varied, person-centred and tailored to the individual.
The programme aligns with the Patient First strategy, helping the Trust provide outstanding care for patients. In fact, this was recognised by the Care Quality Commission. They stated: “Staff highly valued people’s emotional and social needs and we saw these were not only embedded in their care and treatment but went over and beyond to innovate the ‘Small Acts of Friendship’ programme.”
Primarily focused at Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath on the elderly care, respiratory and intensive care wards, 4,616 patients were supported in 2023. Recipient feedback across all areas reported the difference the small acts of friendship have had on hospital experiences:
Small Acts of Friendship is funded through a blended solution, with Friends of Brighton and Hove Hospitals and Princess Royal Hospital League of Friends contributing financially for provision of the programme, alongside My University Hospitals Sussex.
It is vital that patients are stimulated, motivated and engage in daily routines of activity, self-care and connection. Small Acts of Friendship helps enable patients to achieve this, feeling more in control of their lives. Paula O’Sullivan, Small Acts of Friendship Coordinator, summarised: “The patients’ testimonies speak for themselves. These treatments reduce pain, increase self-confidence and help people cope with life in hospital.”
If you would like to fund a small act of friendship to a local person in hospital, please consider making a donation today.
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