‘Little boxes of love’ from NHS on the way for Sunderland carers

Carers are being given ‘boxes of love’ from local NHS staff to support them in their journey of being a carer for someone living with dementia.

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust, a provider of mental health and learning disability services in the north of England, have been giving out ‘little boxes of love’.

The boxes are created and given to carers on Marsden Ward, which is based in Monkwearmouth by Carer Champion leads during carer meetings.

They contain a range of cards with positive or encouraging phrases, and items including “tissues to dry your tears, chocolate because why not, mints because you are worth a mint, a candle to brighten up your day, and love hearts because you have a big heart and to know you are loved.”

Marie Smith, Clinical Manager at CNTW said: “Marsden Ward work very hard to support carers of people living with dementia.

“Often carers can experience an emotional rollercoaster ride when caring for a loved one. To ease that experience and let carers know they are valued, Marsden Ward have put together ‘a little box of love’ for carers, in addition to the usual contact details for carers support services.”

Caring for a person living with dementia in the later stages can be both a challenging and rewarding experience. When that person then moves into long term care this can have a big impact on the carer.

The items are given in a little box with a small crocheted forget-me-not flower on the top.