A BIG box is hoping to do the trick when it comes to helping patients in need.

Our donate £1 for Dementia campaign is starting off 2017 with a fresh plan for creative support for patients with dementia in the Royal Bolton Hospital and beyond.

The fundraising campaign for public donations has supplied 20 of the hospital wards with activity boxes.

Inside the wheeled boxes are different activities, photographs and games designed for someone living with dementia.

They include ‘magic painting’ water sets, large chunky domino sets, twiddle muffs, and reminiscence cards based on the 1940s or 50s, with photos on one side, and ideas for conversations on the other.

A box has been delivered to Darley Court intermediate care home with another in the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department.

Andy Lee, fundraiser at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, thanked the individuals and organisations who had donated to the appeal.

He said: “The items in these boxes can really help to make an inpatient stay a much more pleasant experience for patients with dementia.

“For example the memory cards have pictures from the 1940s and 50s. This can help stir up memories for dementia patients and you can ask questions which will help stir up memories and make them feel at ease.

“This is just one way we can make the environment better for them.

“For instance we’ve already invested in décor on some wards that is less clinical looking and also in clearer signage using images to avoid confusion.

“But there is much more we’d like to do so I hope local people will continue to support this worthwhile cause.”

The appeal — launched in June, 2015 in partnership with Bolton NHS Charitable Fund — aims to raise £200,000 to pay for dementia-friendly facilities at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

The campaign has seen its donations double to £30,000 but there are more plans afoot to keep the pot rolling in 2017.

Mr Lee added: “Our sponsored walk from Blackpool to Bolton in September raised £6,500 alone, which was fantastic.“Coming up this March is the World Rocks Against Dementia day where we will be putting on a rock concert — so watch this space!”

Families, schools, businesses and groups across Bolton are being urged to donate at least £1 to the appeal.

Go to www.boltonft.nhs.uk/get-involved/charitable-giving/ or send a cheque, made out to Bolton NHS Charitable Fund, to Charitable Funds Department, Dowling House, Royal Bolton Hospital, Minerva Road, Bolton, BL4 0JR. Businesses, schools or groups who want the giant £1 to visit should email andy.lee@boltonft.nhs.uk

For more information about Bolton NHS Charitable Fund go to boltonft.nhs.uk/get-involved/charitable-giving/, search Bolton NHS Charitable Fund on Facebook or follow @boltonnhsft on Twitter.