Lynn Hollins, Clinical Lead Nurse, Neuropsychiatry Service at Harplands Hospital organised an Odds And Socks Day event for her patients, their families and the staff.
Ward Five at the Harplands Hospital is a fifteen-bed ward offering specialist services to both male and female patients from the age of 18 onwards. The ward delivers services to the patients of North Staffordshire with a Neuropsychiatric diagnosis which includes Huntington’s disease.
Lynn receives regular contact from the Huntington’s Disease Association through the charity newsletters and mailing list to ensure her service can provide updated information and relevant resources to patients, carers and colleagues. After receiving a newsletter about up-and-coming events, Lynn decided to get her ward involved in Odds And Socks Day.
It was important to demonstrate support to our Huntington’s patients and families and the wider Huntington’s disease community to raise awareness and make a positive difference to a cause which we feel passionately about.
Prior to the day, the team decided to organise a ‘design a sock’ competition for the patients on the ward. During therapeutic activities, a number of blank paper socks were available for patients to utilise to design their own socks using various materials.
The activity started discussions around Huntington’s disease and patients were able to share their own stories. The completed socks were displayed on the main corridor wall of the ward alongside information and facts regarding Huntington’s disease.
To celebrate Odds And Socks Day and the wonderful artwork, a coffee afternoon was held and the ward was honoured to have Lindsey Hughes, our local Specialist Huntington’s Disease Adviser and a member of our local Huntington’s North Staffordshire Branch, Glynis White to judge the competition.
The day was facilitated by other colleagues working within the hospital and provided the opportunity to share information and give people a better understanding of Huntington’s disease.
During the Odds And Socks Day event, the winner of the sock competition was announced. Homemade cakes, sandwiches and hot drinks were available, and the event was attended by patients, relatives, carers and other colleagues within Neuropsychiatry.
Of course, throughout the day, staff and patients wore their odd socks with pride.
In addition to this event, Neuropsychiatry was hosting an international conference at a local hotel. The patients created the letters for the slogan #WhatAreTheOdds and colleagues from Neuropsychiatry wore their odd socks on the day.
The fundraiser/awareness day provided the perfect opportunity to start a conversation regarding Huntington’s disease and provide information and understanding regarding the disease. The patients felt empowered to be working together and spreading the word which is often more impactful when someone is talking about something which is meaningful to them and brings the journey of Huntington’s disease to life.
Thank you to Lynn for organising this event and sharing your story with us.
Want to get involved in Odds And Socks Day?
You can show your support by wearing your odd socks on Thursday 27 February and creating a fundraiser to help us raise awareness and valuable funds for people affected by Huntington's disease. If you sign up to fundraise with us you will receive a free pair of Huntington's Disease Association branded pink and green socks - this is subject to the first 150 people so act quickly fast if you want to get your hands (and feet) on a pair!
Want to make a day of it? Why not get your workplace, school or care home involved? We have ideas, activities, and decorations to help make your Odds And Socks Day event a success. Visit our fundraising page below to find out more.