#DoOneThing - Karen Higgins

Karen Higgens from the catering team shares her #DoOneThing in celebration of World Mental Health Day.

In catering we were messaged to say that we were all going to be put on furlough; this made sense as we could not work from home and it would all help the University in its futureproofing.

I volunteered at a local children's hospice, Acorns, and this was amazing. I really enjoyed the challenges this gave me, but mostly the friendships I made. These friendships and contacts got me through some very dark times.

They care for children who have palliative conditions and at the end of their lives. They care for the children and their families during this time and offer bereavement support afterwards. 

This is our local hospice, the only one in Walsall, just a short distance from our Walsall Campus and it is was at threat of closure a year ago; but thanks to a successful appeal, they have survived another 12 months. This means that local children do not have to travel to Stoke or Birmingham to access a hospice.

Children's hospices are not funded by the Government or the NHS and really appreciate any support.

I have been mostly helping deliver food to vulnerable and shielding families, but also gardening in the memorial garden along with sorting nappies!

Any University staff who wish to get involved and share their #DoOneThing story should email od@wlv.ac.uk.