Primary school children have been busy drawing get well cards for Maidstone Hospital patients, which are helping to lift spirits and provide a colourful boost.

A member of staff launched the initiative to help to reduce feelings of loneliness among patients.

Jodie Bond, a coordinator at Mercer Ward and mum of two from Maidstone posted a plea for cards on her Facebook page and within hours was contacted with offers of support from the local community.

More than 50 colourful cards with handwritten messages are now being distributed to wards across the hospital.

Jodie was supported in the scheme by colleagues Kate Hallewell, matron for acute medicine and geriatrics as well as Emma Howells, a junior sister.

Jodie said: “We are really grateful to children and their families for sending their beautiful homemade cards which are so appreciated by patients, their families and staff. Pupils from Sandling Primary School also created some lovely rainbow posters which are now proudly adorning our ward office window.”

Schools and groups which have sent in drawings include Westborough Primary School, Maidstone Primary School, the Discovery School in Kingshill and Second Pembury Rainbows and Brownies.

Some pictures will be included within staff care hampers currently being collated by the Trust’s charity.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is asking schools and groups to email their pictures where possible to mtwtr.covidpublicsupport@nhs.net.

The KM Group is committed to helping the community through the KM Charity team. For more information and to find out what other good causes you can get involved in click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone