For children facing a long stay in hospital, having something fun, familiar and comforting to focus on can make a huge difference.
That is why the Birmingham Colmore community is working with Ward Buddies at Birmingham Children’s Hospital to collect donations of toys and activities for children who are spending an extended period in hospital.
Ward Buddies is dedicated to providing friendship, companionship and emotional support to children in hospital. Donations of suitable toys and activities can help Ward Buddies give children a welcome distraction from hospital life, providing opportunities to play, explore and simply enjoy being a child.
What Can Be Donated?
The collection is looking for a range of toys and activities that are suitable for children in a hospital environment.
Some suggested donations include:
- Card games – suitable games that children can enjoy alone or with others.
- Team games – such as Frustration, Jenga and similar games that encourage interaction and play.
- Books – books must be new.
- Sensory toys – items that provide tactile, visual or other sensory stimulation.
- Toys that can be wiped clean – easy-to-clean toys are particularly suitable for a hospital environment.
- New toys – new toys of various types that are appropriate for children.
For hygiene reasons, anything made from fabric must be new, as must all donated books.
Every donation, whether it is a simple card game or a larger activity, has the potential to brighten a child’s day. For a child who may be away from home, school and friends for an extended period, having a new game to play or a book to read can provide a much-needed sense of normality.
How to Get Involved
The collection will be running until 31 August 2026, giving local businesses, organisations and individuals the opportunity to contribute.
Those wishing to donate items or find out more about the collection can contact Kelsey Dwyer at:
kelsey.dwyer@birminghamcolmore.co.uk
By donating a suitable toy or activity, supporters can help Ward Buddies provide children at Birmingham Children’s Hospital with moments of fun, friendship and distraction when they need them most.
A small donation can make a big difference to a child spending time in hospital.
