Youth Development in the Bristol Children’s Hospital

The Grand Appeal supports the salary of the Hospital’s Youth Development Worker,  Cathy Gane, who supports patients and their families by allowing them to discuss their treatment and care in the Hospital and ensure that they are represented on the Hospital’s membership council.  Cathy’s objective is to allow patients to be integrated into the decision-making process within the Hospital and to allow patients to obtain transferable skills relevant to participating on the Hospital’s Youth Council.

HIV DVD

The Grand Appeal funded the production of an educational DVD to give children with HIV, good, clear and age-appropriate explanations and understanding about their illness and knowledge of what is happening inside their bodies.  Research has shown that information and explanation eases the worry children and young people experience during what can be a frightening time.  It also allows the child to feel less confused, improve their self-esteem and be more in control of their lives.  The DVD is the first of its kind in the UK.

Renal DVD

A high quality educational DVD was produced for use by patients and their families who are undergoing kidney problems and for children who are about to endure transplant or dialysis. This vital information prevents children from being scared about what treatments they will be required to endure and is of great benefit to the child’s emotional stability around the time of treatment.