The Friends of Valkenberg works directly and indirectly with both in-and outpatients of Valkenberg Hospital. The physical needs are great due to the fact that State Hospitals are underfunded and this impacts upon the facilities and level of care offered to patients. The Friends of Valkenberg Trust (FOVT) is seeking to meet some of these needs by drawing in the support of the local community to refurbish wards and complete the construction of a new Admission Suite, which is urgently needed.

There is also never enough money in the Hospital budget to provide for the basic needs of patients, which are specific to a psychiatric hospital. Patients in the Admission Wards need standardised clothing to wear while in the ward and patients in other wards often need additional warm clothing. Many patients have physical needs as they are often unable to work due to their illness. There may be a breakdown in family structures and often community support is very poor, due to the nature of their illness. There is always a need for underwear and toiletries as patients are generally in hospital for many weeks, sometimes months.

We are attempting to meet these needs by purchasing tracksuits, underwear and shoes on a regular basis as well as soliciting donations where possible.  Volunteers coordinate the distribution of clothes to those in need and the FOVT is able to supply transport for a patient who has been discharged or supply a food parcel to someone who has nothing to go home to. We are occasionally called upon by the Social Work Department to contribute toward the costs of a night shelter.  There is also a great need for emotional caring, as being in hospital is not easy and ward staff are often busy with professional tasks.

Volunteers are recruited to run many different projects where they have direct contact with patients, teaching a skill or just having fun. Volunteers are able to make the time just to chat, to spend some time relaxing and to share the morning with the patients.