brightfutures
Your City & Metropolitan Hospitals Charity Newsletter Winter 2025/26
Welcome to the winter edition of Bright Futures
Shah Director of Charity
Your City & Metropolitan Hospitals Charity is the independent registered charity of Sandwell & West Birmingham (SWB) NHS Trust. We support the care of over 530,000 patients through our Trust's hospitals, health campuses, and 150+ community healthcare services.
A recent personal highlight for me was unveiling our new Garden of Gratitude panel at the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital. This displays the names of our valued supporters, including those who are sadly no longer with us. It was truly wonderful to celebrate this with so many friends and family. If you wish to get involved please visit: www.justgiving.com/ campaign/gardenofgratitude
Thank you as always for reading this newsletter and supporting our charity.
Celebrate your loved ones in our Garden of Gratitude
RESTORING A LEGACY IN GLASS
Years of wear had taken their toll on the stained-glass windows. Skilled conservators have now restored them to their former strength and beauty.
As City Hospital began to empty, staff felt it was important to preserve these windows, ensuring they were not left behind. These windows now form the first part of a larger heritage project, which will gradually be unveiled at Midland Metropolitan Hospital in January.
City Hospital, originally Dudley Infirmary (1887) and an extension of the 1852 Dudley Workhouse, housed the Chapel of Rest from 1931. Its windows, gifted by staff and friends, offered a quiet space for reflection until the hospital closed in 2024.
Because of this, the Chapel held deep emotional significance for many people who visited over the years. Today, these windows have found a new home at Midland Metropolitan University Hospital (MMUH), where they will continue to inspire contemplation on healing, remembrance, and faith.
WHY I CHOSE PAYROLL GIVING!
We recently spoke to a member of staff who donates through Payroll Giving to find out what inspired them and why they’d recommend it to colleagues.
Having previously worked for a Children’s Hospice, they were already very aware of the difference charitable donations can make. While they had made occasional donations to other charities, this was their first time donating regularly. “When I started in my role, it felt like an ideal opportunity, especially as I wouldn’t really notice the difference in my pay at that point,” they explained.
Knowing that their contribution supports patients, families and staff across the Trust is particularly important. “As colleagues, we understand and appreciate the difference a charitable grant can make to projects that go beyond basic statutory services, especially in financially challenging times. Many services want to carry out quality improvement initiatives that need some funding, and it’s positive to support this work and help create longer-term change.”
They would strongly encourage colleagues to consider regular giving. “There’s a real feeling of giving something back. Larger charities are often very well supported, but charities linked to NHS hospitals and community services are sometimes overlooked by the general public. Supporting a smaller charity can still have a big impact.”
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Knowing that our contributions support patients, families and staff across the Trust is particularly important
Their message to anyone thinking about donating is simple: “Give it a go. Even a small amount can make a difference, it all adds up. And if your circumstances change, you can always cancel and restart later. We’re a large organisation, so the more people who donate, the more opportunities there are for patients and services to benefit.”
How Payroll Giving works
Johnny
UPCOMING EVENTS
PEDALLING FOR PAEDIATRIC CARE
On 16th December 2025, the Paediatric Department, with support from the Patient Experience Team, took part in a 24-hour Cyclothon.
The event took place in the Winter Gardens, Midland Metropolitan University Hospital. Together, colleagues, volunteers, and supporters raised over £2,000 to benefit our young patients. The funds will go towards new play equipment and enhancing the overall hospital experience for children and families.
In December 2025, six members of the Albion squad visited Midlands Metropolitan University Hospital (MMUH) to bring festive cheer to young patients and staff. Club captain Jed Wallace was joined by Alex Mowatt, Mikey Johnston, Jayson Molumby, George Campbell, and Josh Griffiths. They handed out gifts from The Albion Foundation, posed for photos, and spent time with children, their families, and hospital staff.
George Campbell reflected on the visit: “We had lots of fun on the ward and it was nice to meet everyone. We think it’s really important to give back and spend time in the local community, especially at this time of year. The kids’ smiles and giggles warmed our hearts, and we hope they get home and healthy as soon as possible.”
The visit highlighted the squad’s commitment to supporting the local community and spreading joy during the festive season.
HONOURING LIVES IN DECEMBER
The event ran non-stop from 12 noon, with participants cycling in shifts and cheering each other on throughout. The dedication, teamwork, and positivity displayed during the 24 hours were truly inspiring.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part, donated, or offered encouragement, their generosity and commitment will make a lasting difference to our patients.
On a crisp December evening, colleagues, patients, and friends came together for Sandwell and Midland Met Hospitals’ first-ever Remember in December ceremony. The event offered a gentle space to reflect, remember, and celebrate the lives of loved ones, colleagues, and patients who hold a special place in our hearts.
Guests were treated to live music, light refreshments, and moments of quiet reflection. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to honour those they have lost in such a warm and supportive setting.
In keeping with the spirit of the season, attendees were invited to create personalised baubles to hang on the Remembrance Trees at Sandwell Campus and Midland Met Hospital.