Creating a calmer, brighter experience for children and families at Southend Hospital

Children and young people visiting Southend Hospital’s Emergency Department are now being welcomed into a brighter, calmer, more comforting environment, thanks to charitable funding.

This project has been made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters, fundraisers and a kind legacy gift. With this support, we have been able to fund child-friendly forest animal themed artwork and decoration in the waiting area.

Following a complete refurbishment, the children’s waiting area has been transformed with woodland-themed designs, featuring deer, trees and natural scenery, creating a much warmer and more welcoming space for children and families during what can often be a stressful and worrying time.

A visit to the Emergency Department can feel overwhelming for any child. Creating environments that are engaging and reassuring can make a real difference, helping to reduce anxiety, provide distraction during waiting times, and make hospital visits that little less daunting. The new artwork not only brightens the department but also helps support the emotional wellbeing of patients and their loved ones.

As an extremely busy unit, which on averages sees over 2,500 children every month (500 more than were seen each month in 2025), a feeling of calm matters – and this investment of charitable funding has delivered just that.

Lucy Thomas-Clayton, Director of Charities and Voluntary Services at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We know that a trip to the Emergency Department can be a frightening experience for children and their families, so we’re delighted to have been able to help create a much brighter, more welcoming environment. This simply wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible generosity of our supporters, and we’re so grateful for every donation, fundraising effort and gift that has contributed to this project.”

The improvements form part of the wider Emergency Department expansion at Southend Hospital, which has introduced enhanced facilities and care environments for patients of all ages.

Every project funded by the charity is made possible by the support of local people, businesses and community groups. Whether through a donation, taking part in a fundraising challenge or leaving a gift in a will, our supporters continue to make a meaningful difference to patients across Southend, Basildon and Broomfield hospitals.

From all of us, thank you. Your support helps create environments that comfort, reassure and support patients when they need it most.