Introducing 'Colour for Crosshouse'

The ‘Colour for Crosshouse’ appeal will see Crosshouse Children's Fund raise vital funds to create colourful, comfortable and welcoming wards for Ayrshire’s children in hospital.

Thousands of children are cared for on the children's wards each year and can often feel anxious and daunted by the intimidating hospital environment. Stress can have a negative impact on the long-term health and wellbeing of children and their families, who often describe the wards as cold, clinical and not designed for children.

The charity’s vision is to create bright, fresh spaces that children find fun, relaxing and distracting. Children, families and hospital staff will all play their part in helping to design the innovative artwork and themes, ensuring that they are involved and empowered throughout the process.

Thanks to an initial injection of £30,000 from Crosshouse Children’s Fund, work is already under way to transform the ward entrance, where many children begin their hospital journey. In the year ahead, the children's wards and A&E will also be renovated.

Crosshouse Children’s Fund CEO, Kirsten Watson, said: “There is growing evidence that the hospital environment has a profound impact on the physical and mental health of children. This project will ensure that the wards are as colourful, warm and comforting as the welcome that children will receive from the incredible staff who care for them during their time in hospital. We hope that the generous Ayrshire community will back our Colour for Crosshouse appeal by fundraising or donating to Crosshouse Children’s Fund.”

The Colour for Crosshouse appeal has the backing of charity partner Kilmarnock FC. The club’s Managing Director, Phyllis McLeish, commented: “We’re proud to support our deserving charity partners and wholeheartedly encourage the local community to join us in backing this project.

“As a club, we’re determined to play our part in creating a lasting legacy by helping to paint a brighter future for children across Ayrshire.”