Rapper Dave funds scheme supporting discharged elderly patients at ESTH
Elderly patients are being given extra support as they return home, thanks to a new initiative from the Juliet O Foundation, funded by rapper Dave, also known as Santan Dave.
The charity, founded by Dave’s mother and former NHS worker Juliet Omoregie, provides free discharge packs to help patients settle back into their homes. Each pack contains essentials such as non-slip socks to prevent falls, soap, hand sanitiser, toothpaste, and small comforts like tea and coffee. By meeting these practical needs, the packs aim to reduce hospital readmissions and support patients’ independence.
With more than 35 years of experience in health and social care, Juliet was inspired to act after seeing many elderly patients feel stressed about going home without even the most basic essentials. Determined to change this, she has so far self-funded the programme with the support of her son – London-born rapper Dave and star of Netflix show Top Boy.
Speaking about his mother’s work, Dave said: “I’m incredibly proud of my mum and everything she’s built with the Juliet O Foundation. It means a lot to be able to support her in such a meaningful and impactful mission. Watching her turn this vision into reality and being part of the journey has been truly inspiring.”
The programme first launched at St Georg e’s, part of our gesh group, in collaboration with St George’s Hospital Charity earlier this year and after receiving positive feedback from patients and staff has since expanded across South London, including here at Epsom and St Helier. The packs have also been distributed within Molesey and Dorking Hospitals as part of Surrey Downs Health and Care and the Reablement Unit as part of Sutton Health and Care. Thanks to support from Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity, an additional 70 patients every month will now benefit.
Molly Simpson, Head of Charity and Fundraising at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity, said: “Dave proves that caring for others can come from every corner of our community and he’s helping to make a huge difference for some of our most vulnerable patients. Leaving hospital can be a scary time for many – these packs are supporting patients by giving them back their independence and reducing anxieties about returning home.”
If you think the scheme would benefit patients within your department, please contact the Epsom and St Helier Charity directly via esth.charity@nhs.net
For more information about the discharge packs, visit julietofoundation.org
For more information about Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity, and how you can get involved, visit www.esthcharity.org.uk
