The grant has provided hula hoops, swingballs and equipment for table tennis, cricket, football, bowls, and more for 19 inpatient mental health wards, including those at The Bradgate Mental Health Unit, the Herschel Prins Unit, The Willows (all Leicester) and Stewart House (Narborough).

Samantha Wood, head of service for mental health inpatients at LPT, said: ‘We are deeply grateful to Sport England for their generous donation of £11,000 towards this sports equipment. Access to physical activity is a vital part of recovery and wellbeing, and this support will allow our patients to experience the benefits of exercise in a safe and supportive environment.

‘Alongside this, our patients benefit from a broad range of support including our dedicated physical health nursing team, GP, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, enhanced therapy garden space, smoking cessation services and substance use workers.

‘Together, these resources provide a holistic approach to care – helping patients reduce anxiety, build confidence and foster social connection. This investment is not just in equipment. It is in hope, resilience and the future health of our community.'

The funding was awarded following a successful grant application from LPT's inhouse charity, Raising Health.