Published on: 29th July 2025
Lincolnshire NHS Charity’s ‘Dragons’ DeNHS’ scheme has brought a wave of positive change to services across Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) thanks to the generosity of NHS colleagues who took part in a charity skydive and fundraising during Mental Health Awareness Week in 2024.
Launched last year, Dragons’ DeNHS invited staff and patients to co-produce bids for funding to improve activities and environments across inpatient and community settings. The initiative culminated in a series of lively pitch events, where teams presented their ideas to a panel of ‘Dragons’. These ‘Dragons’ were led by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s (LPFT) Board of Directors and supported by Every Voice Patient Partners.
Now, the winning bids have been brought to life, with items already making a difference to service users and staff alike.
Understanding the anxiety that can come with job interviews, especially for those living with mental health conditions, the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Employment team created bespoke interview pouches. Each one includes a fidget item and worry stone for grounding, a calming tea bag, a lip balm, a positive quote card and sweet treat for encouragement.
The team’s pitch was a heartfelt presentation that explained the impact of these small, but meaningful gestures. One team member shared the following:
“After considering what would personally help with the often-daunting experience of applying for jobs while living with a mental health condition, we focused on the interview process and the preparation involved. This can be a very anxious time for our service users and we know this from personal experience! We wanted to give them a little something to show that we are thinking of them, so we researched wellbeing products.
“Keeping the budget in mind, we included items such as a fidget toy (that could fit in a pocket), a worry stone (to hold), a calming tea bag, a lip balm, a positive quote card and a sweet treat. These were designed to be handed to the service user before the interview. Some people don’t tell family or friends about their interviews, and some don’t have any support at all, so we wanted them to know that the IPS team is rooting for them.”
At Ash Villa, patients have been enjoying new activities thanks to items funded through this scheme. An air fryer has made cooking safer and more accessible, allowing patients to prepare meals like scampi and chips, cupcakes, and jacket potatoes without needing to wait for a traditional cooker to cool down. Additionally, a karaoke Bluetooth speaker has brought music into the activity room, creating moments of joy and connection.
“Music has always helped me with my mental struggles… the staff on the ward always play my favourite songs, especially when I’m unhappy, and it cheers me up,” someone expressed.
“We’ve reminisced about our younger days listening to 80s and 90s music. It’s a lovely way to connect,” another reflected.
The Gainsborough Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) opted to create a calmer space for their patients, transforming their environment with tall lamps, rugs, and cushions to provide comfort and give the space a more homely feel.
The team also chose to spend their funds on inspiring framed wellbeing quotes and large wall pictures to lift spirits. They added plastic plants and clocks to provide structure to their days. Waste bins were also provided to support cleanliness and dignity in the space. These thoughtful additions were chosen to enhance the therapeutic atmosphere and promote wellbeing for all who use the service.
The Fens ward, a male inpatient rehabilitation unit, secured funding for an Xbox, offering patients a fun and interactive way to relax, connect, and build confidence through play.
Every bid was co-produced with patients and presented in a style that suited them—whether through presentations, videos, or informal chats. The initiative has not only funded meaningful items but also empowered patients and staff to collaborate, innovate, and advocate for what matters most.
The Dragons’ DeNHS scheme has proven that when staff and patients come together with creativity and compassion, the most minimum funding can spark meaningful change.
Congratulations to all the successful teams and thank you to everyone who made this initiative possible.
For more information about the Lincolnshire NHS Charity or to get involved in future fundraising, please visit their website at www.lincolnshirenhscharity.org.uk.
