For generations, The League of Friends has been at the heart of the community, supporting our community hospital together through fundraising, volunteer work, and a shared commitment to patient well-being. Working quietly but relentlessly, it has worked to support Teddington Memorial Hospital.
Whether you’ve popped into the hospital shop for a warm smile and a snack, taken part in one of our community events, or benefited from facilities we’ve funded, you’ve experienced the impact of our volunteers and supporters.
Who We Are: A Proud History of Community Support
Founded over 70 years ago by local residents who wanted to help their much-loved community hospital thrive, the League of Friends has always been driven by a simple mission: to enhance patient care and support the well-being of everyone who walks through the hospital’s doors.
We’re a volunteer-run charity, independent of the NHS, but we work closely with hospital teams. Over the decades, our volunteers have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds, staffed the hospital shop, funded specialist equipment, and helped improve patient spaces, always putting the community at the centre of our work.
Our principles remain the same today as when we began:
- Compassion for patients and their families
- Committed to supporting hospital staff
- Community spirit in everything we do
We are proud of our 5 key values.
- Caring is defined as ‘displaying kindness and concern for others’ and ‘the practice of looking after others’. It’s at the heart of what we do.
- Trusted: meaning both ‘to have a firm belief in ability’ and ‘being responsible for something. We are proud to be trusted to support TMH in the best way possible.
- Integrity: upholding our strong principles to support staff, patients, and the community.
- Efficient: as we strive to maximise our results without wasted expense or effort.
- Reliable: because we make every effort to ensure our activities are consistently of the very highest quality.
Making a Difference: Recent Projects and Achievements
Enhancing Patient Comfort
The New Pain Clinic ‘The Woodland Suite’ offers specialist assessment, treatment, and ongoing support for people living with chronic pain, with over £150,000 in funding from the League of Friends for patient comfort and the creativity of local schoolchildren, whose artwork brightened the space.
Creating Calm, Welcoming Spaces
A newly revamped paediatric waiting area and garden, a transformation made possible through the generosity of the community and supporters, including The Teddington Society and The Lensbury. This bright, child-friendly space, enhanced further by a commissioned artwork and an interactive play project, marks a significant step in improving the hospital experience for your patients and their families.
Supporting Staff Wellbeing
During the coronavirus pandemic, The League of Friends funded a seven-day-a-week food delivery service for staff at Teddington Memorial Hospital, supported by an emergency fund of £17,900 and local restaurants providing fresh meals. This initiative helped frontline NHS teams,s whilst also supporting local businesses made possible by generous donations from our community.
These are just a few of the ways our volunteers, donors and supporters help us make a real and lasting impact. Every project, large or small, helps ensure Teddingon Memorial Hospital remains a caring and well-equipped local resource.
How Can You Get Involved
The League of Friends thrives because of people like you. There are so many ways to support our mission.
Volunteer Your Time
Our hospital shop is run by volunteers, and we’re always delighted to welcome new faces. Even a few hours a month can make a huge difference.
Make a Donation
Every pound we receive goes to supporting patient care or hospital improvements. One-off or regular donations help us plan and fund vital projects throughout the year.
Join Our Events
There are charity runs, an annual bridge competition, and a silent disco; there’s always something happening. Taking part is a great way to have fun, meet people and support the hospital at the same time.
Together, We Can Do Even More
Teddington Memorial Hospital has supported local families for decades, and the League of Friends is proud to support the hospital in return. With your help, we can continue funding essential equipment, improving patient spaces and supporting staff.
Ready to get involved? Visit our website, drop by the shop, or follow us on social media to see what’s coming next. Let’s keep making a difference together.
Supporting Our Community Hospital Together.