Skip over main navigation
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
Valley Hospital Charity
Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
  • Search
Donate
Menu
  • About us
    • Mission, Vision and Values
    • What we do
    • Our team
    • Latest
      • News
      • Blogs
  • How you help
    • The difference you make
    • What you've helped fund
      • Latest medical equipment
      • Enhancing the Hospital environment
      • The little things
    • Your stories
  • Ways to give
    • Make a donation
    • Support an appeal
    • Fundraise for us
      • Fundraising ideas
      • Set up a fundraising page
    • Other ways to give
      • Leave a Legacy
      • In Memory
      • Join our Lottery
      • Sponsor a Brick in the Valley Walk of Life
      • Raise money through online shopping
      • Knitting and sewing
  • Get involved
    • Volunteer
    • Become a corporate supporter
    • Community groups
    • Schools engagement
  • Fundraising events
    • All upcoming events
    • Challenge events
      • Walk and Trek
      • Run
      • Cycle
      • Obstacles
      • Virtual Events
    • Organise your own event
  • Grants
    • Grant request form
  • Shop
  • Admin
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • Knitting and sewing
  1. Ways to give

Knitting and sewing

UPDATE: We are now able to accept knitted donations for babies- we look forward to receiving your blankets and other amazing knitted or sewn donations

We are delighted that with your help our knitting stall has already raised over £1,000 for our Charity! Thank you so much with your support with this. If anyone would like to help our volunteer Valerie run the stall on a Monday between 10am – 2pm then please do get in touch 01322 428392. We are not holding our stall at this time while there is no visiting. 

Baby Blankets

They need to be knitted, not crocheted. They need to have no holes for the babies to get their tiny fingers caught in. Recommended needle size 8. 

The knitted blankets we use for our babies in the incubators are 50cm x 50cm (approx. 20 inches x 20 inches). 

Our large baby blankets for our cots are 75cm x 75cm (approx. 30 inches x 30 inches). 

Incubator Nests

On Walnut Ward, our Special Care Baby Unit, we lay babies on these nests whilst inside the incubator to make them comfy and help them get cosy and snuggled. Simple nests with wading, minimal seams and quilting are great as they are a bit more comfortable for the babies.

Nests should be made approximately 22" long by 17" wide.
           

Incubator Covers

We put covers over the incubators to shield babies from bright light, to dampen noise and to stabilise the incubator temperature. Fun or baby type fabrics work fantastically!

Incubator covers should be made approximately 40” long by 35” wide. 

           

Bonding Hearts

Bonding hearts are a lovely way for parents to bond with their baby whilst they are separated. Each mother gets a pair of hearts, she wears one next to her skin and the other next to baby’s skin. They are then swapped over so each have the others special scent with them.  Below are some rough dimensions of the finished hearts, made with 100% cotton fabric please.

They are double sided material hearts and are really simple to make.

Large coloured blankets

Trialled at other local Kent hospitals, the introduction of coloured and patterned blankets has helped reduce falls in elderly patients.

Brightly coloured blankets help show up the edges of the bed more clearly, as well as making the wards look more homely. Older patients, particularly those with Dementia, can find their way to and from the bed more easily. Patients get to keep the blankets they are given when they return home.

If you would like to knit or crochet a blanket then please make them patterned and with bright colours and 3ft square. 

Twiddle Muffs

For patients with delirium, these hand knitted creations help distract hands from pulling at drips and dressings. With buttons and detail inside and out to fiddle with they help keep hands busy. Examples of Twiddle Muffs are shown below.

Please bring any creations to the Hospital reception and we will distribute to the Wards.

Published: 15th February, 2019

Updated: 16th April, 2021

Author: Sally George

Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Latest

  • DGT Charity Rugby tournament

    DGT Charity Rugby tournament

    The DGT Charity Rugby tournament in aid of Little Buds is a great success.

  • Stride 4 Life

    Stride 4 Life

    Help me raise funds so my Hospital can introduce the latest technologies to detect, diagnose and treat cancer sooner

  • Beating cancer

    Beating cancer

    Help me raise funds so my Hospital can introduce the latest technologies to detect, diagnose and treat cancer sooner

  • Rare Genetic Anemia

    Rare Genetic Anemia

    To create and raise awareness of rare genetic anemia's.

Related

  • Hospital Volunteer wins £1,000 on Charity Lottery

    Hospital Volunteer wins £1,000 on Charity Lottery

    Chaplaincy Volunteer Colin Parsonson won £1,000 in the Hospital Charity Lottery in September 2018.

  • In Memory

    In Memory

    You can leave a meaningful and lasting tribute in memory of a loved one to benefit the Hospital that cared for them

  • Sponsor a brick in the Valley Walk of Life

    Sponsor a brick in the Valley Walk of Life

    Make a lasting impression at Darent Valley Hospital by having your name and message remembered forever in a special path.

  • Payroll giving

    Giving directly from your pay will save you money – ask your employer if they are registered.

  • Join our Lottery

    You could win up to £25,000 whilst helping support your hospital at the same time. Register from as little as £4.34 a month.

  • Text to donate

    JustTextGiving by Vodafone is free, and we receive 100% of every donation.

  • Leave a Legacy

    Leave a Legacy

    Do something wonderful, and remember the Hospital that cared for you in your Will. Find out about leaving a Legacy to Valley Hospital Charity to benefit future patients of Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust.

Most read

  • Knitting and sewing

    Knitting and sewing

    We would be delighted to receive your hand crafted creations to enhance patients stay.

  • What volunteering roles can I do?

    There are a number of roles that you can help with at the Hospital

  • Tesla puts a smile on children's faces

    Tesla puts a smile on children's faces

    Luke Jones, a member of Tesla Owner’s Group UK, donated two replica Tesla toy cars to the Children's Ward.

  • Silver Cross special delivery

    Silver Cross special delivery

    Walnut Ward took delivery of a beautiful brand new pram kindly donated by Silver Cross.

  • Support the special care of babies

    Support the special care of babies

    Our Little Buds Fund supports our Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) and our Maternity Wards.

  • ASICS London 10k 2022

    ASICS London 10k 2022

    The ASICS London 10K will take place on Sunday 10th July 2022. Sign up now to secure your spot for London's best summer celebration of running with live music and entertainment at every kilometre along the flat, fast-paced 10K route.

  • Make a donation

    How to make an online or postal donation. We are grateful for your support, big or small

  • Hartley Music Festival & Picnic

    Hartley Music Festival & Picnic

    HARTLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL RESCHEDULED FOR 22nd AUGUST It is with regret the Hartley Music Festival has been postponed. The new date is Sunday 22nd August 2021. PLEASE DO DIRECT ANY QUESTIONS TO THE ORGANIZER CONTACT DETAILS ON THE POSTER – 01474 705050 or www.fivestarlocal.co.uk

  • Mission, Vision and Values

    Mission, Vision and Values

    Our mission is to enhance patient care at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust.

  • What is the application process?

    The process when you have completed your online application form.

Tag cloud

little buds fund

Sign up for our Charity news updates

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter your email address Please enter a valid email address (e.g. [email protected])

Find us

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
Darent Valley Hospital 
Darenth Wood Road
Dartford
Kent
DA2 8DA


+44 (0)1322 428256
[email protected]

Links

  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Statement

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Flickr


Valley Hospital Charity is the working title of Dartford and Gravsesham NHS Trust Charitable Fund (1050861) and is registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales.