Welcome to The Cheerful Sparrows Thanet Charity

Since its origins during the Boer War, The Cheerful Sparrows Thanet Charity has been a beacon of hope for those in need. From supporting families in crisis to enhancing patient care in the Cheerful Sparrows Wards at QEQM Hospital, our mission is to uplift and assist the vulnerable members of our Thanet community.

We offer tangible support where it’s needed most – whether that’s providing essential items for hospital patients to improve their comfort and dignity, or aiding local families with essentials that many of us take for granted. From school shoes for children to household appliances for families, every contribution we make is aimed at creating positive, lasting changes.

Yet, our journey is far from over. As the last remaining branch of the original Cheerful Sparrows, we are dedicated to continuing this legacy of compassion and support. But we need your help. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, your support makes all the difference.

Join us in making a real impact in the lives of those around us. Because together, we can turn small acts of kindness into waves of change.

Our Mission

To help anyone in Thanet who is in exceptional need by providing essential items

Patients in the Male and Female Cheerful Sparrows Wards in the QEQM Hospital Thanet

By 1939 The Cheerful Sparrows Thanet Charity had raised almost £25,000 of which £20,000 went towards building the Margate General Hospital. As a thank you, and as a constant reminder, the Cheerful Sparrows Ward was named.

We continue actively to support the Cheerful Sparrows Ward at QEQM with items that may help the day to day comfort of patients and the running of the ward, such as shampoo, soaps, shaving foam, combs, razors, toothbrushes and toothpaste. To combat the heat in the summertime we provided large standalone and handheld fans and, for the patients’ belongings, small bedside trays. The patient notes are kept tidy in bed end holders sourced from the Charity’s funds and our recent purchase of a Sara Stedy Aid has proved invaluable. In helping improve patient mobility, the staff are now able to transport immobile patients to the toilet and bathroom faciities, whilst maintaining their privacy and dignity. Moreover, using the aid, the patients have been able to get to quiet areas to talk to their families and the doctors. Staff report that patient morale and well-being have improved as a result.

Supporting The Thanet Community

When they have nowhere else to turn, we help local families and individuals referred to us by professional organisations such as social workers, health visitors, children’s centres, homeless charities, schools, Homestart. Referral numbers continue to be high and average around ten each month.

Those in need may be the child who is going to school with holes in their shoes,for example…..And a family who are very grateful for a good second-hand washing machine – so that they can send their children to school in clean clothes or the elderly patient who is just out of hospital and needs a new bed for a decent night’s sleep.

So as you can see our grants to help people vary from small amounts – such as £50 towards a child’s school shoes and uniform – up to a usual maximum of £250 which may be needed for a child’s bed or a second-hand cooker or washing machine, or basic furniture. Every penny of our funds goes towards helping local people change their lives for the better.

We have tried really hard to raise more funds. We don’t have a major project, so despite our best efforts, we don’t qualify for lottery funding or support from large companies.

We are a small charity that helps local people in small ways but this makes a big difference to their lives. For many it is a turning point.