Well Child Campaign

We have received some information from the organisation Well Child which we are happy to pass on as it may be relevant to some of our parents. Firstly, they are running a campaign called "Better At Home" which aims to get more specialist Community Children's Nurses with the right Care Packages for children so they are able to get home from hospital more quickly. The main aim of the campaign is to try to reduce the number of children and young people with long term complex healthcare needs who stay in hospital for months and in some cases years. Well Child are asking for parents to contact them (or via ACT) to give them their experiences of how long they had to spend in hospital before being allowed home. They need to identify how many children stay in hospital long term and what would be needed to help them get home. So if you feel you could support the campaign please contact Well Child on 0808 801 0330 to speak in confidence to one of their nurses on the free Helpline, or email campaign@wellchild.org.uk

Well Child are also promoting"Helping Hands" which aims to make a difference to families caring for a sick or disabled child by completing practical support projects such as a Garden Makeover or Bedroom Refurbishment. Helping Hands use volunteers from local companies and they will give up to 3 days' practical support to complete a project. You will need to complete an application form and provide photos of the potential work and provide a note from your child's GP or paediatrician to confirm his or her condition and the potential benefits of the project for your child. Please contact the Helping Hands Project Manager for more information on 01242 808 346 or email helpinghand@wellchild.org.uk or see their website www.wellchild.org.uk/helpinghands

ACT is pleased to support Well Child in their work with helping families.