Young Hospital Patients Find Comfort With Handmade Security Blankets

Published on: 29 Jan, 2020
Updated on: 29 Jan, 2020

Children on Hascombe Ward at the Royal Surrey County Hospital have been visited by volunteer organisation Project Linus UK, who dropped off some very cute comfort blankets.

The hospital says that staying in hospital can be a scary time for anyone, but especially for children, when they might not understand what is going on and why.

It adds that research has shown that comfort blankets are an effective tool to combat stress, worry and anxiety. Benefits can also include boosting mood, improving sleep quality and easing pain.

A young recipient of a Project Linus blanket.

Project Linus originated in the USA and was named after a character in the comic strip Peanuts, who carried around a security blanket.

Its aim is to provide a sense of security and comfort to sick and traumatised babies, children and teenagers through the provision of new homemade patchwork quilts and knitted blankets, and give volunteers across the UK the opportunity to contribute to their local community.

Its area co-ordinators and assistants deliver around 3,500 quilts and blankets to sick, disabled or disadvantaged children across the UK each month.

Emily Murphy, mother of 15-month-year old patient Leo, said: “I think this is an absolutely fantastic idea and the vibrant colourful blanket bought great comfort to Leo throughout his hospital stay.”

Senal Soyer, matron of Hascombe Ward, said: “These donations make all the difference to our young patients and we always aim to make the children with us as comfortable and as stress free as possible.

“These comfort blankets are a great way for children of all ages to feel reassured and secure. Thank you to all of the volunteers who spend their time making these quilts for those in need and we really appreciate your efforts.”

To learn more about Project Linus, visit https://projectlinusuk.org.uk.

Story based on a press release from the Royal Surrey County Hospital.