Dale to support Birch Hill Hospital’s art project

Left to right: Megan Kershaw (Nursing Assistant), Eli Hepworth (Hollingworth Ward Manager at the John Elliot Unit), Julie Rayner (Inpatient Activities Worker), Nicola Ward (Nursing Assistant)

Rochdale Football Club is backing an initiative by the local mental health NHS trust, Pennine Care at Birch Hill Hospital, which is aiming to improve the environment on the ward there.

Last week, the club donated a few items of memorabilia to the hospital, including a match-worn Stephen Dooley shirt, to be included in their patient art project.

Eli Hepworth, Hollingworth Ward Manager at the John Elliot Unit, said: “We are thrilled to receive these items. We’re really proud of Rochdale and the local football club. The Dale have got excellent links within the local community and we want to get our patients interested in physical exercise, playing football and supporting their local team.”

Inpatient Activities Worker, Julie Rayner, commented: “The donations from Rochdale AFC are really welcome. They will help brighten up and provide a great focal point on the ward.”

Dale Chief Executive, David Bottomley, added: “We are extremely grateful that the staff at the John Elliot Unit have chosen the football club to base their art project around and we can’t wait to see what it looks like when it’s finished.

“It’s so important now, more than ever, that we get out into the local community and help wherever we can, so it’s a real pleasure to get involved with this wonderful project.”